Q&A for How to Make a Match Rocket

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Question

Can I make this with paper?

Community Answer

It will burn up the paper and nothing will happen. Use aluminum because it won't burn, and it keeps the combustion inside so it can propel itself forward.

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Question

Can I use gunpowder or powder from the crackers instead of match heads?

Community Answer

It’s called a match rocket because you use matches! Try other methods at your own risk.

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Question

What is wrong if my rocket does not fly and only leaves some smoke behind?

Community Answer

Check for any leakage in your rocket. There might be holes in the aluminum foil.

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Question

Do match heads provide enough thrust for a match rocket to fly?

Community Answer

Yes, if you do it right. You need to make sure the foil is tight enough. If it still doesn't work, try a brand of matches with larger heads.

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Question

How does a match head generate electricity for it to fly?

Community Answer

Rockets are powered by combustion, not electricity. The burning match heads release smoke and gas, which are pushed out the narrow opening at the bottom of the rocket. This causes the rocket to shoot forward as an opposite reaction, just like a swimmer pushes back against water to move forward.

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Question

Why is it necessary to use aluminum foil instead of paper?

Community Answer

Because the aluminum foil won't burn up like paper would when set on fire. If you used paper, it would just instantly torch the contents.

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Question

My rocket won't ignite, what should I do?

Community Answer

Check for wetness or over-tightness, the latter of which can prevent the fire from getting to the matches.

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Question

Can I make a match rocket without match heads?

Community Answer

No, the matches are essential. Try making a different rocket.

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Question

How far will it launch?

Community Answer

About 20 ft at a 45 degree angle. It might go up to 40ft occasionally. It could go farther if you launch it the way the wind is blowing.

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Question

What do I do if my match rocket doesn't fly and has no holes?

Community Answer

You might want to try and add another layer of tinfoil to your rocket and this might the rocket combust enough for it to take off since there is more pressure inside the rocket.

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Question

Can I add multiple matchstick heads to make it more powerful?

Community Answer

You should be capable of adding more match heads, but it would increase the amount of fuel the rocket has to burn.

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Question

Can I use a plastic pen lid to make a match rocket?

Community Answer

I tried it and it works fine! As long as it is not too heavy, you're good to go.

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Question

Can you use the same rocket repeatedly?

Anselm

Community Answer

No, once a rocket has been launched, it cannot fly again because tinfoil will get a few holes and won't be in the right condition anymore.

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Question

My one doesn't work. I suspect it is leaking smoke, so how should I try fix it?

Startrekker

Community Answer

It will take more effort to repair than to make a new one. Make a new one with more aluminium foil so the thickness increases a bit. Make sure that one end is perfectly sealed.

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Question

Can I add another match head to make it more powerful, I am having a match rocket competition so will more heads mean better?

Startrekker

Community Answer

Yes, you can. But instead, powder the match head with some simple tools (don't use a mixer. it may ignite due to friction!), and pour it from the bottom into the rocket. Thus, you can change the amount of thrust.

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