Rockets are able to amaze adults and children alike. Unfortunately, we often assume that rocket technology is something that is very complicated to understand. Even if advanced rockets are designed with extreme precision, you can still make simple rockets at home. There are several ways to make a rocket at home, from using matches to using water pressure.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Rocket from Matches
Step 1. Wrap two matchsticks with aluminum foil
Place two matchsticks in the foil with the end of the ball pointing up and the other end facing down. Roll matchsticks like kebabs. Twist one end of the foil until it covers the end of the match and leave the other end open.
Step 2. Stick the matches
Stick a tightly wrapped matchstick into a piece of cardboard. This will make him stand. Inserting a matchstick also allows you to direct it to launch it to your desired location.
Step 3. Heat the aluminum foil
Use a candle or a lighter to heat the foil. Direct the flame to the bottom of the foil that is wrapped around the match head. When the match is hot enough, it will light up. This will make the lighter fly out of the aluminum case.
When the head of the match is lit, gas will form rapidly so that the pressure forces the match to slide off the foil at high speed
Method 2 of 3: Launching a Rocket with Water and Air
Step 1. Gather the necessary supplies
The rocket body will be made of a plastic water bottle, cone-shaped paper, and two triangular pieces of paper or cardboard. You will use three pencils to make the supports. You'll also need a cork, water, and a bicycle pump to put pressure on the bottle.
Step 2. Make a rocket from a bottle
Reduce the drag of the water bottle by sticking a paper cone on the top of the rocket (bottom of the bottle). Glue a triangular piece of paper or cardboard on both sides of the bottle as fins. The triangle should be about half the length of the bottle.
Step 3. Make the rocket support
Glue the pencil to the sides of the bottle to make a support. Make sure the pencil is facing down. The support will allow the rocket to be tilted upwards (or slightly tilted, if you prefer). Without support, your rocket will circle around the ground, not gliding upwards.
Step 4. Put the water in the bottle
You must fill half the bottle with water. Water can provide the necessary mass to propel the rocket at launch. You can add food coloring to create colored smoke.
Step 5. Put the cork in the mouth of the bottle
Remove the bottle cap and replace it with a cork that fits in the mouth of the bottle. The cork will create pressure to build up inside the bottle. The cork is also easily dislodged so that the contents of the bottle can be sprayed quickly and launched into the air.
Step 6. Pump air into the bottle
Use a bicycle pump with a valve. Insert the nipple into the bottle through the cork, then pump air into it. Once there is enough air in the bottle, the pressure will force the cork to jump and launch the rocket into the air.
Method 3 of 3: Making Rockets with Household Chemicals
Step 1. Glue the pencil around the bottle
Make sure the tip of the pencil is down. This will ensure that it can be attached to the ground when the bottle is upside down. The pencil is useful for supporting the bottle so that its position remains upright.
Step 2. Wrap the baking soda in a paper towel
Put two tablespoons of baking soda in a paper towel, then roll up. Make sure the sides are folded so you don't expose the baking soda. This will pause the very fast reaction of the vinegar and baking soda.
Step 3. Put the vinegar in the bottle
Use a funnel to fill the bottle with vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and will react to neutralize the baking soda. Carbon dioxide will be produced in this reaction and cause pressure to build up inside the bottle.
Step 4. Put in the packet of baking soda
Dip the packet of baking soda into the vinegar. From here, you have to move quickly. The tissue will open quickly. The reaction will begin immediately when the baking soda comes into contact with the vinegar.
Step 5. Cover the bottle with a cork
Immediately put the cork in the mouth of the bottle. This will prevent gas from escaping from the bottle and causing pressure to build up inside. Turn the rocket body upside down, then stick the pencil into the ground with the cork still attached.
Step 6. Look at the rocket launching
When the tissue is open and the baking soda reacts to the vinegar, more gas will build up in the bottle. This will force the cork to jump out of the bottom of the rocket. The pressure will push the rocket off the ground and launch it into the air.
Tips
- Change the amount or type of fuel to get a different result.
- Look for information on more complex rockets, such as sugar rockets.
Warning
- Do this under adult supervision.
- Even if the materials used are quite safe, wear protective goggles and gloves to protect yourself when launching a rocket.
