Poppin Rockets

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Poppin’ Rockets

<>Use baking soda and vinegar to create a chemical reaction which launches a rocket (a film canister) sky high.

To print out a lab sheet for this experiment to turn in to your instructor, click here.

Materials

• Film canisters (fuji canisters work well; many photo labs will give empty canisters away for free)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Vinegar (acetic acid)

Note: Do this project outside. The baking soda and vinegar reaction makes a mess! Plus your rocket is going to fly high! As soon as you put the lid on the film canister, move out of the way—it can blow fast!

Instructions

1. Take the top off the film canister and pack the lid tightly with baking soda.
2. Pour about two teaspoons of vinegar into the film canister.
3. Gently put the lid on the film canister and snap tightly closed.
4. Quickyl turn the canister upside-down, put it on the ground, and stand back. (the lid should be on the ground)
5. After a few seconds, the canister will shoot up into the air. If your rocket always fizzles, try a film canister with a tighter-fitting lid.

Optional:
Alternate 'Fuel' - try repeating the procedure, but instead of using baking soda & vinegar; tape a Mentos to the lid and fill the canister with Diet Coke.

Report

To print out a lab sheet for this experiment to turn in to your instructor, click here.