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Objective
Find the optimum volume of water to use for the highest water rocket flights.
Description
Pitsco’s Water Rockets activity is an alternative to solid-fuel rocketry. Students construct rockets using 20-ounce bottles for engines. With the addition of fins, a body tube, and a nose cone, this rocket flies great. Using different volumes of water, it is determined which volume is optimal for the best flight results.
Procedures
Students construct water rockets using 20-ounce bottles and the Pitsco R2K Kit. At each of five specified volumes, water is added to the rocket and launched at 70 psi using the Pitsco AquaPort Launcher. The apogee is measured using the Estes Altitrak Altitude Finder and recorded in the data table for two trials at each volume.
Data is graphed and students determine the optimum volume of water to use for the highest water rocket flights.
Discussion
What volume is optimal for the highest water rocket flights? Why conduct two trials?
Continuation
As an extension activity, students can build a rocket with a 1- or 2-liter bottle and predict the best amount of water to use for maximum apogee. Their predictions can be compared to experimental results.