1N22.25 - Balloon Rockets

Code Number:
1N22.25
Demo Title:
Balloon Rockets
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Action & Reaction
Area of Study:
Mechanics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Fishing Line Guide Wire, Long Balloons, Soda Straws, and Tape.
Procedure:

Have two people stretch the guide wire across the front of the classroom.  Blow up one of the balloons and tape it onto the soda straw guides.  Release the balloon and watch it travel as a rocket across the room.

References:
  • 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You, "Racing Rocket Balloons",  National Geographic Kids, p. 127.
  • Borislaw Bilash II and David Maiullo, "Law of Interaction -- Newton's Third One", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 65.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Create a Balloon Rocket", Super Science Challenges, p. 120.
  • Janice VanCleave, "2, Blast Off", Engineering For Every Kid: Easy Activities That Make Learning Science Fun", p. 11.
  • Robert Ehrlich, "C.11. Water Rocket, Rocket Balloon, and Balloon-Powered Helicopter", Turning the World Inside Out and 174 Other Simple Physics Demonstrations, p. 33 - 34.
  • Sara Stein, "Balloon Rocket", The Science Book, p. 167.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, “Law of Interaction - Newton's Third Law“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 234.
  • Julius Sumner Miller, Q83 & A83, Millergrams I – Some Enchanting Questions for Enquiring Minds, p. 54 & 105.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.