MIT School of Engineering | ? (2024)

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Why can’t cars run on water instead of gasoline?

Alas, water is more of a taker than a giver of energy

By Meg Murphy; Illustration by Sam Hunter Magee

Using water to power cars is, unfortunately, only a pipe dream. We all know water cannot “burn” like traditional (fossil) fuels, but any hope of extracting energy from it at all, in some other way, can only be crushed by chemistry.

A water molecule contains three atoms: an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, which bond together like magnets. According to Wai Cheng, a professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Sloan Automotive Lab (where he does research on engine performance and emissions, combustion science, and energy conversion), breaking those bonds will always take more energy than you get back.

Let’s say you wanted to build this car. It would need equipment to split a water molecule apart and separate its oxygen and hydrogen. Then it would need to isolate each of them in separate tanks. Then you would need a combustion system that could mix and ignite them, or a fuel cell that could recombine them to make electricity. The released energy could then drive a piston or run a motor and move the car.

Here’s the problem, Cheng says: “A water molecule is very stable.” The energy needed to separate the atoms is greater than what you get back — this process actually soaks up energy instead of giving it out.

Plus there’s a more volatile problem: hydrogen is dangerously flammable. Without the right safety measures, a fender-bender could turn into an explosion worthy of an Avengers movie.

Thanks to Tiffanie Clarke, 14, from Orlando, Florida, for the question.

Posted: January 5, 2018

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MIT School of Engineering | ? (2024)

FAQs

What GPA do you need to get into MIT college of engineering? ›

There is no minimum required GPA, but competitive applicants generally have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and mostly A's in mathematics and science courses. Testing must be completed by the October test date for spring (February) entry and by the March test date for fall (September) entry.

Is MIT a good School for engineering? ›

What is the best engineering school in the world? Currently (in 2023) MIT ranks #1 in the world for Engineering according to QS. Ivy League Harvard ranks #1 globally according to Times Higher Education.

Is MIT engineering hard to get into? ›

MIT's acceptance rate is one of the lowest in the world. Getting into MIT is no small feat with an acceptance rate of under 5%.

Why is MIT so famous? ›

While MIT is perhaps best known for its programs in engineering and the physical sciences, other areas—notably economics, political science, urban studies, linguistics, and philosophy—are also strong. Admission is extremely competitive, and undergraduate students are often able to pursue their own original research.

Is a 4.7 GPA good for MIT? ›

Average GPA: 4.19

This school did not officially report its average GPA, but we've estimated it here using data from over 1,000 schools.) With a GPA of 4.19, MIT requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.

Can a 3.7 GPA get you into MIT? ›

In conclusion, gaining admission to MIT with a 3.7 GPA is challenging but not impossible. MIT's holistic admissions process considers various factors, including test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal essays.

Is Harvard or MIT better for engineering? ›

MIT's renowned strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) makes it an ideal choice for those passionate about innovation and research in these fields, while Harvard's broader liberal arts focus offers a more interdisciplinary education.

How much do MIT engineers make? ›

The estimated total pay range for a Engineer at MIT is $76K–$124K per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Engineer base salary at MIT is $97K per year. The average additional pay is $0 per year, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What is the #1 engineering school in the US? ›

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Its engineering school is consistently ranked among the world's best, offering a wide spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering disciplines. As of 2024, the annual cost of attendance is $85,960, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses.

What is the hardest major at MIT? ›

Every major at MIT is academically rigorous and will push students to expand their academic horizons so they can graduate with new knowledge and a deepened understanding of their field of study. With that being said, engineering majors are often thought to be amongst the most challenging at MIT.

Is MIT harder to get into then Harvard? ›

Harvard has a college acceptance rate of 3.41% compared to the MIT acceptance rate of 4.8%. So, while Harvard is part of the Ivy League and MIT is not, they both have extremely selective acceptance rates.

Can an average person get into MIT? ›

In reality, MIT is among the most selective universities in the U.S., and you will likely need to achieve an unweighted GPA close to or equal to 4.0 in high school. If your school weights GPAs, aim to achieve at least a 4.14 or higher while taking the most challenging courses your school offers.

Is MIT an Ivy League? ›

Stanford, MIT, and Duke may not be part of the Ivy League due to the historical emphasis on athletics, but they are by no means inferior. These institutions stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ivy League colleges, offering top-tier educational standards and competitive employment opportunities.

What major is MIT famous for? ›

The most popular majors at Massachusetts Institute of Technology include: Computer Science; Mechanical Engineering; Mathematics, General; Econometrics and Quantitative Economics; Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Physics, General; Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General; ...

Did any famous people go to MIT? ›

1. Buzz Aldrin. The second person to walk on the Moon, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin gained a doctorate in astronautics at MIT in 1963.

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