Q&A for How to Build a Bottle Rocket

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  • Question
    How do I make a Mentos soda bottle rocket?
    Jessie Antonellis-John
    Math and Science Instructor
    Jessie Antonellis-John is a Math and Science Instructor who teaches at Southwestern Oregon Community College. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in curriculum development. Jessie earned her PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, her Master of Education from Western Governors University, and her BS in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College. She’s also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in professional publications.
    Math and Science Instructor
    Expert Answer
    To make a Mentos soda bottle rocket, you'll need a two-liter soda bottle, a roll of Mentos candies, and a piece of paper. First, carefully open the soda bottle and drink or pour out some of the soda to create space. Roll the paper into a tube and fill it with Mentos candies. Quickly drop the Mentos-filled tube into the soda bottle, screw the cap on tightly, turn the bottle upside down, and place it on a flat surface. Once you're ready for the launch, unscrew the cap, and the reaction between the Mentos and soda will create a fizzy eruption, propelling the bottle into the air. Make sure to do this outdoors and wear protective gear.
  • Question
    Is this safe for school?
    Community Answer
    Yes. In fact, bottle rockets are a common school science project!
  • Question
    What kind of bottle do I have to use?
    Community Answer
    A good type of bottle would just be a regular 1L soda bottle such as a Coke bottle.
  • Question
    Is there any easier way to make a model of a rocket?
    Community Answer
    Get an empty bottle and put wings on the side. Add vinegar and baking soda. Put it on the ground upside-down, and it will fly up.
  • Question
    Will this work with a 2 liter bottle?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    Are there any alternatives aside from cork?
    Community Answer
    Anything dense that will seal it air tight and that you can stick a needle through will work.
  • Question
    Will this bottle rocket actually fly?
    Community Answer
    It won't fly like a bird or a plane, but it will shoot up in the sky for about thirty seconds and have a minor crash landing.
  • Question
    How can I protect an egg while in the bottle, with a capsule to protect the egg (like an astronaut)?
    Community Answer
    Put a big parachute on top, then put bubble wrap over the egg.
  • Question
    Is clay good for a nose cone?
    Community Answer
    If too much clay is applied on the cone, the rocket will fall to the ground. Making your rocket aerodynamic and lightweight should increase the distance. Perhaps a light coating of clay could be applied but using paper or card and perhaps strengthening it with duck tape would work better.
  • Question
    How high will this fly?
    Community Answer
    It will blast up to the height of an average building at least.
  • Question
    Where do I get the cork for the bottle rocket?
    Community Answer
    You can buy a few from an arts-and-crafts store or just use an old wine cork. If you don't drink wine, ask a local restaurant or bar if they can save a few for you.
  • Question
    What can I use to cut the bottle?
    Community Answer
    Use a box cutter or scissors. You can put hot glue on the edges of the cut bottle so it isn't sharp.
  • Question
    Why should I use that specific fin shape?
    Community Answer
    Because the rocket will be more aerodynamic.The more aerodynamic the rocket, the more airspeed you get.
  • Question
    How do I build a bottle rocket on a budget?
    Community Answer
    A standard bottle rocket is pretty inexpensive. An old bottle, some duct tape, along with some paper or cardboard for the fins and cones, will cost around 5 dollars.
  • Question
    How big do I make the fins for the rocket?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how big the rocket is, if the rocket is the size of a 1 liter bottle, then the fins might be about 25 sq.cm.
  • Question
    Do I need a ballast to build a bottle rocket?
    Community Answer
    No, just using something heavy like fishing weights for example, will work just as well.
  • Question
    What is the best liquid for a bottle rocket?
    Community Answer
    Water, because the liquid is only used for the force to launch it. Water is lighter than most liquids, which makes it the best option for the bottle rocket.
  • Question
    About how long does it actually take to make one of these?
    Community Answer
    The process of making the rocket is actually really easy. I am a high school student and just made it for my physics project. If you have all the materials, it will take about 1 hour to make, 2 hours if you want to put more effort into it to make it look nice and have a higher accuracy.
  • Question
    How much water do I need to use?
    Community Answer
    Half of the bottle should be filled. For example, 2 liter bottles should have 1 liter of water.
  • Question
    Is the rocket reusable?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the rocket is reusable. Just pop the cork back inside the bottle to be able to relaunch.
  • Question
    How can we make the distance longer with the bottle rocket?
    Community Answer
    Launch your rocket at elevation of 45 degrees, this will cover maximum (horizontal) distance better than any other angle.
  • Question
    How do I stick the ballast into the cut bottle for the rocket?
    Community Answer
    You can put it at the bottom of the cut bottle and use duct tape to hold it in place.
  • Question
    How do I make my bottle rocket fly like a plane?
    Community Answer
    You don't. It's a rocket, not a plane.
  • Question
    What are the advantages and the disadvantages for these methods?
    Community Answer
    Advantages are that it has a aerodynamically stable form and the water pressure builds up enough to fly high, yet you have to refill the water each time and based on experience, the cork may clog up sometimes.
  • Question
    Why are potatoes round?
    Undertale4141
    Top Answerer
    Potatoes are actually oblong and or slightly flattened ellipsoids. They might take on that shape because of the dirt all around them, compressing them into ellipsoids. Another theory relates to their DNA and genetics. We could ponder about this all day, or leave it to be one of the great mysteries of the universe.
  • Question
    Is a smaller angle for a fin better than a larger angle?
    Community Answer
    A smaller fin makes your rocket lighter and less likely to get the best results. Using a larger fin gives your rocket more stability, making it much more aerodynamic.
  • Question
    What safety precautions should I take when building a rocket?
    Community Answer
    Always wear safety goggles and you can wear safety gloves. When launching the rocket, make sure that you are in an open area and if you are a child you must ask a trustworthy adult to help you. Check that nobody is in the rocket's path because you do not want them to become injured due to your irresponsibility. As soon as you have launched the rocket, stand back at a safe distance.
  • Question
    Won't the water go back into the tube of the air pump?
    Community Answer
    No, it won't. The air pressure is stronger than the force of the water trying to get back in.
  • Question
    Will a 2 liter coke bottle work?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it should work well for the bottle rocket.
  • Question
    How can I make it go higher?
    Community Answer
    Make the bottle lighter by using less clay and experimenting with how much water you use.
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