rocket

PREPARATION
1. Select or build a launcher. To build a launcher, see The Physics Teacher, March, 1995, pp-150 -157. To buy a launcher, contact The Science Source, PO Box 727, Waldoboro, Maine 04572 (207)832-6344.

2. Choose a plastic bottle. It is interesting to experiment with different sizes of bottles. A 2 liter soda bottle is generally used. (capacity from 500 ml to 2 liters).

3. Add fins (scrap cardboard or plastic) and a nose cone if desired in the design. Long tubes can be added if desired. See diagram below.
4. Use a bicycle pump to create air pressure inside the bottle.

5. Three or four wood dowels can provide support for your launch.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
1. Always wear eye goggles while launching.

2. Never aim your rocket at people or structures.

3. Follow the recommendation of the manufacturer about the pressure level. I would not exceed 40 lbs/sq. inch. (Although the metric unit is Pascal, this is usually the unit found on bicycle pumps.)

4. BE CAREFUL! Though this rocket is fun, it is also a high velocity rocket. My students have recorded velocities up to 70 mph within the first two meters of flight. NEVER stand over the rocket or try to disengage a pressurized bottle. Call the teacher!