Pop Bottle Alcohol Rocket Demo
Pop Bottle Alcohol Rocket Demo

 

Code Number: 1N22.35

Demo Title: Pop Bottle Alcohol Rocket

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Rockets - Action-Reaction

Area of Study: Linear Momentum

Equipment: 

Rocket Launch Pads, Alcohol Atomizer, Eye Droppers, Launch Tube Protector, 1/2 Liter (16 oz.) Pop Bottles.

Procedure:

Put 1 ml of alcohol into the pop bottle and shake or turn the bottle to distribute the alcohol on the walls of the bottle.  Place the bottle into the launch pad but make sure you do not disturb the spark wires during insertion.  Place the protective tube over the bottle.  Press the piezo sparker and the bottle should be launched up to the ceiling in LR1 or LR2.  NOTE: One layer of electrical tape around the mouth of the pop bottle may be necessary to insure a good fit into the launch pad.  

References:

J. R. Mattox, "Spark Ignition of Combustible Vapor in a Plastic Bottle as a Demonstration of Rocket Propulsion", TPT, Vol. 55, #1, Jan. 2017, p. 30.