Virgin Holds First HyperLoop Test With People

Virgin Holds First HyperLoop Test With People

NFK EDITORS - NOVEMBER 10, 2020

6th Grade

On Sunday, a company called Virgin Hyperloop held the first human test of a hyperloop system – a technology which some people believe will change transportation. In the test, a car carrying two people traveled at high speed through a special tube.

Multiple Choice

What company held the first human test of a hyperloop system?

• NASA

• Virgin Hyperloop

• Department of Science

Multiple Choice

What is the human test of a hyperloop system?

• a rocket ship going as fast as it can through outer space.

• a car carrying two people traveled at high speed through a special tube.

• a jet taking an animal through space with a camera.

During the test, Josh Giegel, who helped start Virgin Hyperloop, rode with Sara Luchian along a 0.3 mile (500 meter) test track near Las Vegas, Nevada, reaching a high speed of 107 mph (173 kph) in just over six seconds.

Multiple Choice

How long in distance is the test track?

• 100 meters (0.06 miles)

• 500 meters (0.3 miles)

• 1000 meters (0.6 miles)

Multiple Choice

How fast did the test run go in miles per hour?

• 107 mph in 6 seconds

• 90 mph in 60 seconds

• 70 mph in 10 seconds

The pressure on the riders as the vehicle took off was about three times as strong as when a plane takes off. But Ms. Luchian said the ride was, “much smoother than I expected.”

The idea of a hyperloop system was first suggested by Elon Musk in 2012. Mr. Musk created the rocket company SpaceX, the car company Tesla, and several other companies.

Multiple Choice

How could the pressure of the hyperloop system be described?

• unnoticeable, like being in a car

• about the same pressure as an airplane

• three times stronger than a plane

Multiple Choice

When was the first idea of a hyperloop system suggested?

• in 2012

• in 2020

• in 1999

Multiple Select

"The idea of a hyperloop system was first suggested by Elon Musk in 2012." Which other companies did Mr. Musk create? Click all that apply.

• apple

• tesla

• SpaceX

A hyperloop is designed to allow people to travel at incredibly high speeds inside sealed cars, called pods, shooting through a special tube.

While high-speed trains may travel at 120 mph (193 kph) or more, hyperloop vehicles are expected to go much faster, with speeds of around 600 mph (966 kph) or faster. That’s even faster than many planes.

Multiple Choice

How fast are hyperloop systems expected to go?

• 90 mph

• 600 mph

• 200 mph

Multiple Choice

What is a hyperloop designed to do?

• be fun like a roller coaster and just spin in place

• take you back into the past, loop through time

• allow people to travel very fast inside pods through a special tube.

Multiple Choice

How does the picture help you understand the main idea of the text?

• it shows the speed of a hyperloop system compared to vehicles

• it shows a picture of hyperloop systems that have already been used

• it shows a real life photo of a hyperloop system

The main problems that slow down normal trains are friction (like the rubbing of the wheels against the tracks), and the pressure of air against the front of the train. This air pressure increases hugely as the train reaches high speeds.

Multiple Choice

After watching the video, what is different about the hyperloop's rotor?

• it is triangular instead of circular

• it is linear instead of circular

• it is rectangular instead of linear

Multiple Choice

How does friction occur on a train?

• dirt getting in the engine

• heat warming up the metal

• wheels rubbing on the tracks

Multiple Choice

What are the main things that slow down normal trains?

• friction and pressure

• weight and temperature

• height and pollution

A hyperloop removes friction by using magnets or other methods to make the vehicle “float” off the ground. Hyperloop vehicles avoid air pressure by removing almost all the air from inside the tube, so there’s very little to slow the pod down.

Multiple Choice

How does the picture support the main idea of the text?

• it shows how the magnets work

• it shows train's engines

• it shows the hyperloop body

Multiple Choice

How does the hyperloop vehicle avoid air pressure?

• it eliminates gravity

• it removes almost all air in the tube

• it cannot avoid air pressure

Multiple Choice

How does the hyperloop remove friction?

• it uses friction anti spray

• using magnets to "float"

• it cannot avoid friction

Mr. Musk ( owner of Tesla) chose not to use the hyperloop idea himself. Instead, he offered it up for others to use. Now many companies around the world are working to develop hyperloop systems. Some people, like Virgin Hyperloop’s leader, Jay Walder, think the technology will completely change the way people get around. “I have no doubt this will change the world,” he said.

Multiple Choice

Who is Virgin Hyperloop's leader?

• Jay Walder

• Steve Jobs

• Mr. Musk

Multiple Choice

What do people think about the hyperloop system?

• it is dangerous

• it is going to change the world

• it is never going to work

Open Ended

Let's make an inference. Why do you think Mr. Musk chose not to use the hyperloop idea himself?

Though the rapid travel promised by hyperloop systems are exciting, many people aren’t so sure they’re the best choice for the future. Some people are worried about all the steps needed to make sure people are safe when traveling at such high speeds through a closed tube.

Multiple Choice

How does the picture support the main idea of the text?

• it shows what the hyperloop will look like

• it shows some of the worries people have

• it shows the amount of money it will cost

Multiple Choice

What is a worry people have for the hyperloop system?

• that it is going to be so affordable

• the safety in traveling at high speeds

• the harm it will do to our natural environment

Others point out that hyperloop systems 6 billion dollars, and will take years and years to develop. Even after Sunday’s test drive with real people, it will still be many years before any hyperloop systems are regularly carrying passengers.

Multiple Choice

How does the picture support the main idea of the text?

• It shows how expensive all of the parts are

• it shows how many people want the hyperloop system

• it shows how fast the hyperloop travels

Multiple Select

What are some reasons the hyperloop system isn't being used today? Check all that apply.

• the people really want a hyperloop system

• it is going to take a long time to build

• safety has to be in place

• it is very expensive

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose of the text?

• entertain

• persuade

• inform