3 – 2 –1 Blast Off! Engines and Alka-Seltzer Rockets
What is one of the most important components in today's technology of aeronautics? There are actually quite a few advances in modern aeronautics that we might list, such as wing design, electronics, and radar. However, one of the more exciting areas of advancement is that of engines. This impressive component of a vehicle provides the propulsion system needed to get somewhere. In other words, it makes the vehicle move. All engines operate on the application of Newton 's third law of motion. This important principle of motion says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of many engines, when the engine pushes backward (action), it pushes the vehicle forward (reaction).
In this lesson you will design a paper rocket using an Alka-Seltzer tablet as the propellant (or fuel) and a film canister as the engine. You will also be asked see if fins and a nose cone make a difference in the flight of the rocket. You will try to create a rocket that will reach the maximum height possible. Here are the materials you will need.
Materials:
Fuji Film canister
4” by 6” index cards
Scissors
Tape
Markers
Ruler
Alka-Seltzer tablets
Water
Eye protection
Now that you have the materials, try to build and fly your rocket. Here are some steps that you can use to “blast off”.
Directions :
1. Decorate the index card.
2. Roll the index card into a tube. Slide an empty, Fuji film canister into the tube so that the canister opens at one end of the tube. Securely tape the tube to the canister.
3. Now tape the seam of the paper tube.
4. Cut two or three paper fins and tape them to rocket.
5. Make a small paper cone and tape it to top of rocket
6. Hold the rocket upside down and add water to the canister to one-quarter full.
7. Add half a tablet of Alka-Seltzer to the film canister and quickly snap on the lid.
8. Place the rocket on the ground, lid down. Stand back and count down while you are waiting for launch!
Did your rocket work? Now try to remove the fins and nose cone before flying the rocket. Does it fly differently? You will probably notice that the rocket wobbles more in flight (or perhaps even doesn't go as high). Fins and nose cones add stability to a rocket's flight. Now replace the fins and nose cone. Try doubling the amount of Alka-Selter in your engine, does that make a difference in how high the rocket goes? Your rocket probably doesn't go any higher. The most important consideration in this particular rocket engine is the amount of airspace within the film canister that allows for compression of gas generated by the Alka-Seltzer. Once this gas builds up beyond the capacity of the canister to hold it, the canister lid explodes off, propelling the rocket forward. Pretty neat huh?
For more information about engines, you might try looking at the high-speed-aircraft webcasts within the AIA playback center. You can also learn more about Alka-Seltzer rockets at the URL below: