Fire Extinguishers without diverters, Tricycle with attached box

 

Code Number: 1N22.10

Demo Title: Rocket Car - Fire Extinguisher

Condition: Good

Principle: Action & Reaction

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Fire Extinguishers without diverters, Tricycle with attached box, Sail attachment.

Procedure:

Place the fire extinguisher on the proper side depending on whether the rider is right of left handed.  Make sure the rider is wearing safety glasses and hearing protectors.  

NOTE:  This will be very loud so be sure you warn the audience, especially those in the front rows.

Remove the pin on the fire extinguisher and then squeeze the handle hard.  Hold it down for 1/2 the length of the lecture room and then release.  Use the brake on the tricycle to stop at the other end of the lecture room.  

Add the sail attachment to show that the tricycle will not move if pushing against itself.  

References:

  • Tarek A. Elsayed, "Interpreting Recoil for Undergraduate Students", TPT, Vol. 50, # 4, Apr. 2012, p. 209.
  • Floyd Holt, George Amann, "A "Rocket" Cart",TPT, Vol. 27, # 7, Oct. 1989, p. 560.
  • Donna Berry Conner, "Spectacular Rocket Experiment", A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas, p. 39.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q171 & A171, Millergrams II – Some More Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 42 & 97.
1N22.10 - President Harreld on Bike - Copy
1N22.10 Rocket Bike