Quest: Using a washing up liquid bottle and a few safe chemicals build and launch a gas propelled rocket
Your teacher will help you fly your creation.
Equipment required:
- washing up liquid bottle
- rubber bung
- narrow plastic tube (thermometer holder)
- citric acid crystals
- sodium hydrogen carbonate solid
- large plastic beaker
Aim: to launch a washing up liquid bottle into the air using the a gas (carbon dioxide) producing chemical reaction
The chemicals to use are a saturated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and solid citric acid. These react together to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas will be the propellant for your rocket
How to make your rocket
tube and rubber bung
In a beaker place enough water to one quarter fill the washing up liquid bottle.
Add solid soduim hydrogen carbonate to the water to make a saturated solution.
Place citric acid crystal into the tube and carefully assemble the apparatus as shown.
Safety:
Carbon dioxide gas is produced in a restricted space. The pressure created is considerable. Goggles must be warn. A laboratory coat is advisable.
Flying the rocket
(with a responsible adult)
Carefully turn the washing up liquid bottle upside down. While holding the bung in place gentle shake the bottle. *(Wear google and a lab coat)
Support the upturned bottle in a large plastic beaker. Stand well back and wait - be patient.
Do not stand over your rocket.
