Rockets from vinegar

Rockets

Rockets are massive rockets that help astronauts get to the Moon and outer space.

They burn lots of fuel to make gas which causes a massive push and makes the rocket move upwards. Bit like a shower head or firemans hose!

In this series of workshops we are going to look at how this happens

Build your own rocket!

Your demonstrator will provide you with A plastic cannister Vinegar Baking Soda Toilet paper (you might need an adult to help)

Poor 100ml of vinegar into the container add a spoonful of baking power to 1 piece of toilet paper and foler into a bundle.

Add the bundle to the contaner with the vinegar Place the lit on the container and turn upside down (do not shake!)

Wait a few seconds or so for the launch Poor about 200 ml of vinegar into the cannister

Add a teaspoonful of baking soda to toilet paper and fole the corners up to make a parcel

Drop the parcel into the cannister, replace the lit and turn upside down

So what happened?

The liquid (vinegar like you use in chips) was added to the baking powder you use to make cakes. When these meet they produce another chemical. A gas called carbon dioxide is produced (same as the gas you breathe out.

Pressure builds up as the gas is produced which makes the rocket launch

Teachers and parents The reaction of Vinegar (Acetic Acid) and Bicarbonate of soda, NaHCO3) produces a reaction of Carbon dioxide.

The reaction is safe enough although certainly allow plenty of time to clear the rocket before it launches.

NaHCO3(s) + CH3COOH(l) → CO2(g) + H2O(l) + Na+(aq) + CH3COO-(aq)

Also you will need to be quick about put the baking soda into the container and closing it.

Ensure the rocket points straight upwards to the ceiling, do not let anyone look over the top of it. Make sure there are no lights or anything that could be damaged as it launches. This will never reach outer space but it can go a few meters!

This experiment is messy, but safe, Experiment further a) Try using lemon Juice instead or Vinega b) Try varying quantities of Vinegar/ Baking Soda how does this effect the height the canister goes?