How to Make a Balloon Rocket
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Balloon Rocket Experiment - Teach Kids About Air Pressure and Rocket Thrust

Posted by Admin / in Physics Experiments

Teach Kids About Rocket Thrust and Pressure Energy. This experiment uses a toy rocket with that uses a balloon to store energy and generate thrust for the rocket.

Items Needed for Experiment

  • Straw
  • 15 feet of string (fishing line OK)
  • Balloon
  • Tape
  • 2 Chairs

EXPERIMENT STEPS

Step 1: Feed one end of the string through the straw.

Step 2. Tape tape or tie one side of the string to a fixed object such as a chair. The object can be high or low. It is fun to experiment to see how high the balloon rocket can go. If there are extra helper kids, two kids can hold each end of the string instead of taping it to a chair.

Step 3. Inflate the balloon, but hold the opening closed so no air escapes.

Step 4. Tape the balloon to the straw using a few pieces of tape.

Step 5. Have either the rocket engineer hold the loose end of the string while they launch the rocket or have another helper hold the string.

Step 6. Let go of the balloon opening allowing the air to escape and the balloon rocket to be launched along the string line.



SCIENCE LEARNED

The rocket balloon demonstrates a type of energy called pressure energy. Energy is stored up inside the balloon in the form of air pressure. When the balloon is released the air pressure inside the balloon is greater than the outside pressure so the air escapes through the opening creating thrust force which propels the balloon. The string and straw are used to control the path of the rocket balloon. The straw rubbing against the string actually slows down the rocket slightly because of friction between the string and the straw.

Scientists are actually considering ways to utilize stored energy in the form of pressure. In many systems such as solar energy and wind energy, expensive rechargeable batteries are required to store the energy for later use such as at night or during less windy times. Pressure energy may provide a less expensive way of storing energy for later use.

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