Alka-Seltzer Rockets
In this activity, we will learn all about gases, pressure and the states of matter by making alka-seltzer rockets!
What You Need
- Film canister/Kinder egg container
- Water
- Alka-Seltzer tablets
- Safety Goggles
Guide:
Safety Notes
Caution! If you are not careful, it is possible that the "rocket" could go off too soon and can possible injure someone. Ensure that all participants are wearing safety goggles and stepping back once they "launch" the rocket.
What To Do
Building Instructions:
- Fill your film canister with water
- Add in an Alka Seltzer tablet and very quickly place the cap on the container and turn upside down on a flat surface. CAUTION! Stand back and wait for the rocket to take flight!
Discovery
The Alka-Seltzer tablet reacts with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas inside the film canister. Since the canister is closed the gas takes up any available space and the pressure builds. The only way for the gas to escape is push the lid off the container, thus creating your rocket!
If you would like to investigate more into this activity, you can complete the activity with crushed alka-seltzer tablets versus full tablets and hot water versus cold water to see which rocket will launch first/the highest. This can be a good way of discussion reaction rate with the students as well, and how temperature and surface area will play a factor.
What's Happening?
The Alka-Seltzer tablet reacts with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas inside the film canister. Since the canister is closed the gas takes up any available space and the pressure builds. The only way for the gas to escape is push the lid off the container, thus creating your rocket!
Investigate Further
If you would like to investigate more into this activity, you can complete the activity with crushed alka-seltzer tablets versus full tablets and hot water versus cold water to see which rocket will launch first/the highest. This can be a good way of discussion reaction rate with the students as well, and how temperature and surface area will play a factor.