| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Vortex Tech | A prototype fire extinguisher using sound to put out flames. |
| Sound waves | Vibrations that travel through air or another medium. |
| Prototype | An early model of a device used to test a concept. |
A 17-year-old named Ángela Karime Venegas Hernández from Tamaulipas, Mexico, has created a unique fire extinguisher that uses sound to put out flames. This innovative device, called Vortex Tech, is being showcased at an international science fair in Indonesia. Vortex Tech uses sound waves to disrupt the oxygen that feeds flames, extinguishing them quickly without water or chemicals.
Inspired by a video showing a large sonic cannon putting out a fire, Venegas spent a year developing her own smaller device. She worked with her uncle, José Arturo Hernández Muñoz, who has a master’s degree in science. Together, they built five prototypes. The first one, which could put out a candle, took two months to complete.
Vortex Tech uses a 12-volt battery, a frequency generator, an amplifier, and a speaker. These components send out sound waves that form swirling rings of air, which cut off the oxygen to the fire. While this technology is still experimental, it shows promise for small fires. However, it is not meant to replace traditional fire extinguishers for larger fires.
The project also includes thermal sensors that detect fires and automatically activate the sound-based system. Venegas has advanced through various competitions to qualify for the international fair, receiving support from educational officials in her state.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Prototype | Prototipo |
| Frequency | Frecuencia |
| Technology | Tecnología |
Time to discuss
- How can sound be used in other ways to solve problems?
- What are some advantages of using sound instead of water to put out fires?
- What challenges do you think Venegas faced while developing Vortex Tech?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- How does Vortex Tech differ from traditional fire extinguishers?
- What role did Venegas’s uncle play in the project?
