- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
Water Rocket
Purpose
To demonstrate the third law of motion.
Equipment
Water rocket with water, as photographed.
Suggestions
ONLY used in large Lecture Halls. BE CAREFUL where you aim the rocket!
Images
Description
Air is compressed in the rocket by means of a pump; when the air is released, the rocket rises by a small amount. If a small amount of water is poured into the air compartment and air compressed in the rocket to the same pressure as before, the rocket will rise very high when released. Due to its greater mass, the water exhaust has more momentum than the air; thus more reaction force is applied to the rocket by the exhausting water.
References
(PIRA 1N22.20) See Demonstration Reference File for a number of articles on various aspects of rocketry.
-
See pagesc1. center of mass motion
-
-
See pagesc3. first law of motion
-
See pagesc4. second law of motion
-
See pagesc5. third law of motion
-
See pagesc6. friction
-
See pagesc7. collisions
-
See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power
-
See pagesc1. center of mass motion
-
-
See pagesc3. first law of motion
-
See pagesc4. second law of motion
-
See pagesc5. third law of motion
-
See pagesc6. friction
-
See pagesc7. collisions
-
See pagesc8. mechanical energy & power