Alcohol Rocket
PIRA: 1N22.20
Overview:
When the rocket is lit, the pressure inside of it increases significantly. The pressure difference forces the gas inside of the rocket to push on the cork at the end of the bottle. The force pushing the cork away from the bottle also pushes the bottle forward.
Materials:
2 liter bottle
95% ethyl alcohol
Alcohol rocket ramp and stand
Wood cork
Lighter
Cart
Setup:
Place the cart next to a table and put the stand on the table. Place the top of the ramp onto the stand and the bottom of the ramp on the cart. Take the 2 liter bottle and put around 2 teaspoons of alcohol in it. Plug the bottle with the cork and hold your finger over the small hole on the side of the bottle. Shake the bottle and roll it around to ensure that as much alcohol evaporates as possible. Place the bottle on the ramp with the cork side facing down. Either cover the small hole with tape, or twist it so that the hole is facing up.
How to:
Twist the bottle so that the hole is on the side or remove the tape. Ensure that no one is in front or behind the rocket. Ignite the lighter and put it next to the small hole.
Safety:
Be careful with the alcohol as it is highly flammable. Also make sure no one is in the direction of travel for the rocket AND the cork.