What is the science behind film canister rockets?

What is the science behind film canister rockets?

carbon dioxide
When you add the water it starts to dissolve the alka-seltzer tablet. This creates a gas call carbon dioxide. As the carbon dioxide is being released, it creates pressure inside the film canister. The more gas that is made, the more pressure builds up until the cap it blasted down and the rocket is blasted up.

What happens when you put dry ice in a film canister?

When dry ice is trapped in a container, such as a film canister, the pressure rises quickly because it produces more and more carbon dioxide gas. This is why it is so important to keep dry ice in a container that can release the pressure easily without exploding.

What are the reactants in the antacid film canister lab?

In Alka-Seltzer, its citric acid and sodium bicarbonate that are mixing to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide gas or CO2 . When you drop the tablet in water, the acid and the baking soda react to produce the gas, and this gas keeps building up until finally the top pops off or the canister launches.

Why did the lid of container cover pop?

Carbon dioxide gas builds up so much pressure inside the closed film canister that the lid pops off. The lid is the path of least resistance for the gas pressure building up inside, so it pops off instead of the stronger sides or bottom of the film canister bursting open.

What can I use instead of a film canister?

Try replacing the film canister with an alternative such as mini (1 oz) playdough containers, snap-together Easter eggs or non-childproof prescription bottles with snap-on lids (available at pharmacies).

How high do Alka-Seltzer Rockets go?

Procedure. This activity can be messy and the rockets can sometimes shoot up to 20 feet in the air if launched straight up, so it is best performed in a big open space.

What can I use instead of film canisters?

What happens when you mix antacid and vinegar?

Vinegar is an acid called acetic acid. When it combines with calcium carbonate in eggshell and in the antacid tablet, a chemical reaction takes place. One of these chemicals is the gas carbon dioxide. That’s why you see the bubbles!

What can I use instead of film canister?

How does the rocket experiment work?

The initial action was the rush of material: that one-way force out of the opening that pushed hard against the air behind the bottle. The reaction was the air pushing back with the same amount of force going the other way. The bottle was thrust forward as the rushing foam and gas shot backward.

Can you put Alka-Seltzer in Coke?

Coke is fun. Yes, it makes you belch, and it’s fun to shake and leave for some unsuspecting recipient to open. However, there is magic behind this dark liquid in its chemistry.

How does a film canister make a rocket?

As the carbon dioxide is being released, it creates pressure inside the film canister. The more gas that is made, the more pressure builds up until the cap it blasted down and the rocket is blasted up. This system of thrust is how a real rocket works whether it is in outer space or here in the earth’s atmosphere.

Why does a film canister fly across the room?

When the buildup of carbon dioxide gas is too great and the lid pops off, Newton’s Third Law explains why the film canister flies across the room: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The lid goes one way and the film canister shoots out of the tube in the opposite direction.

Where can I buy film for pop rockets?

You may have to make several trips to obtain enough canisters. Alternatively, purchase the film canisters ($16 for 30 canisters) at https://www.amazon.com/Microlab-Scientific-FCFR-224-Film-Canisters/dp/B00IMUBZFY.

How does the lid on a pop rocket work?

With the lid snapped on, the continuous creation of gas causes pressure to build up until the lid pops off, sending the rocket into the air. The pop rockets demonstrate Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.