| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Vortex Tech | A prototype fire extinguisher that uses sound to put out flames. |
| International Science and Invention Fair | An international event where students showcase innovative projects. |
| Frequency generator | A device that produces specific frequencies of sound waves. |
A 17-year-old student from Tamaulipas, Mexico, Ángela Karime Venegas Hernández, has designed an innovative fire extinguisher called Vortex Tech. The device uses sound waves to extinguish small flames, rather than traditional methods like water or chemicals. Venegas is showcasing her creation at the International Science and Invention Fair in Indonesia. She developed the prototype with the help of her uncle, José Arturo Hernández Muñoz, who holds a master’s degree in science.
Venegas’ school, CETis 78 in Altamira, Tamaulipas, announced her participation in the fair. She was inspired by a video of a large sonic cannon that used sound to extinguish fire, prompting her to explore if a smaller device could be built. Over the course of a year, Venegas and her uncle developed five prototypes, refining their design based on previous experiments conducted by others in the field.
The Vortex Tech operates using a 12-volt battery, a frequency generator set to 30 hertz, an amplifier and a speaker. The sound waves create swirling rings of air that disrupt the oxygen feeding the flames, extinguishing them within seconds. This technology, however, is still in the experimental stages and is effective only on small fires.
In addition to the sound-based extinguishing system, the project includes thermal sensors that can detect developing fires and activate the system automatically. Tamaulipas education officials have supported Venegas’ journey through regional, state, and national competitions to qualify for the international fair in Indonesia.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Prototype | Prototipo |
| Detector | Detector |
| Experiment | Experimento |
Time to discuss
- Why is it important to explore alternative ways to extinguish fires?
- How can sound technology be applied to other areas of science and safety?
- What challenges might Venegas face in developing her device for larger applications?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- Describe how the Vortex Tech extinguisher works using sound.
- What inspired Venegas to create her fire extinguisher prototype?
