Alka-Seltzer Bottle Rocket

Alka-Seltzer Bottle Rocket

By: Mekel Parungao & Troy Hall

Mrs. Persaud Period 5

Conclusion

According to my results, the more Alka-Seltzer we added the higher it went. Although, the more water we added changed the reaction time and height. There seemed to be a perfect amount of water at 3 teaspoons where the results were the best out of all somewhat making my hypothesis true and false. With too little water it took longer to react, with too much water it didn't go as high when it launched. A way to improve this project is to try using different temperature water, and get different results.

Experiment Procedure

Troy Placing the Alka-Seltzer inside the canister.

Me (Mekel) preparing he canister with water

Video of the Process

The canister just as it Lifts off.

Hypothesis Statement

1.Measure heights on the wall, for example 1 ft., 2ft., etc. using the measuring tape.

2.Mark your measures with tape and label them with the markers.

3.Place your film canister next to the wall with the measures.

4.Pour your desired amount of water into the canister.

5.Put a piece of Alka-Seltzer tablet (half or 1 whole) into the water, then quickly put the cap back on and turn it upside down.

6.Time it with the timer how long it takes to explode.

7.Once it flies, see how high it went using your markings on the wall from step 2.

Materials

• Water
• Teaspoon
• Measuring Tape
• Film Canister
• Alka-Seltzer
• Timer
• Wall
• Camera
• Markers
• Tape

• Our project is to create a bottle rocket from Alka-Seltzer and water. It uses Newton's 3rd law and chemical reactions for it to work. Our hypothesis is that the more Alka-Seltzer and water you added the more the height will be effected and go higher. Our results somewhat support our hypothesis. More Alka-Seltzer does indeed make it go higher but more water does not.

Summary of Research 1

Experiment Procedure 2

8.Record your results, time and height.

9.Repeat steps 3-7 with different amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer and see how results vary.

When u mix two substances together u may get a chemical reaction. A chemical reaction is when two compounds react and create another. This occurs in our project when we mix the Alka-Seltzer with the water. Alka-Seltzer contains Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid. These react in the water creating the bubbles of carbon dioxide.

Summary of Research 4

Summary of Research 3

The main things going on in this project are chemical reactions, and Newton’s 3rd law of motion. The chemical reaction is like the fuel for the bottle rocket. Newton's 3rd law is like the liftoff or the burning of the fuel. Using both of these we can create an Alka-Seltzer bottle rocket. Without these creating a bottle rocket out of just a container, water, and Alka-Seltzer would not be possible.

This is an example of Newton's 3rd law when the energy is released. Newton's 3rd law of motion states that when there is an action there is an equal opposite reaction. The action is the pressure building up inside the container, and the reaction is the pressure being released and the container flying in the opposite direction. This is a perfect example of this law of motion in action. The chemical reaction happens and creates pressure, as a result the pressure is released and the energy sends the container in the opposite direction.

Summary of Research 2

These carbon dioxide bubbles are the fizz when u drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into water. This fizz when in a contained space will create pressure. As it reacts and more fizz is created the contained area cannot hold all the fizz in that space. This creates pressure and the container gives out and releases the pressure. When the pressure is released the container is launched in the other direction due to so much energy.

Works Cited

"Alka-Seltzer rocket." physics.org

<http://www.physics.org/interact/physics-to-go/alka-seltzer-rocket/>

"Alka-Seltzer Rockets." sci-experiments.com by Mike Passerotti

<http://www.sci-experiments.com/seltzer_rocket/seltzer.html>

"Sodium bicarbonate rocket." wikipedia.org 11-13-13

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_bicarbonate_rocket>

“Rocketology: Baking Soda + Vinegar = Lift Off!" sciencebuddies.org 9-30-2013

<http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Chem_p086.shtml>

Mesa Linda 8th grade teacher Mrs.Nerkowski