Thrust is a pushing force created by energy. In the balloon experiment, our thrust comes from the energy of the balloon forcing the air out. Different sizes and shapes of balloon will create more or less thrust.
In a real rocket, thrust is created by the force of burning rocket fuel as it blasts from the rockets engine — as the engines blast down, the rocket goes up! To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:. Does the shape of the balloon affect how far or fast the rocket travels? Does the length of the straw affect how far or fast the rocket travels?
Move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready….. Let go of the balloon and watch as it rockets across the string! The balloon wind is pushing against the regular wind which makes it fly and the rope is inside the straw which also makes it go faster.
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Start Here Experiments About Contact. Then move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready…. I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:. Comments you balloon rocket is so cool!
Without letting any air out, tape the blown-up balloon to the straw with the mouth end facing you and the person holding the string. Release the balloon, and see how far it goes! Extensions What do you predict will happen if you use a different kind of string yarn, thread, etc. Add cargo to your balloon! Modify the balloon with fins or a nose cone to see if it affects the flight.
The fins on the rocket act to steer it. As the rocket moves, the fins "slice" through the air. Since the air coming out of the balloon is pushing the rocket, the fins will try and go through the air in the easiest path possible. The easiest path is always straight. Generally speaking, larger fins will cause the rocket to fly straighter.
However, if the fins are too large, they get wobbly, and will make the rocket go crooked. Real rockets actually have very small fins. What would happen if you were able to control the direction the bottom of the balloon was facing? In real rockets, the rocket engine the part where the air comes out can be tilted slightly.
This allows the astronauts to steer the rocket by changing which way the "push" is. Run the fishing line vertically and challenge students to make their balloons reach the ceiling. Why might it be harder to move straight up? Discuss how rockets have to be extremely powerful to overcome gravity.
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