Dynamics Activity - Balloon Rockets¹

(Newton's Third Law Version)

Purpose:

To design and build a balloon-powered "rocket" vehicle to travel down a string and back in the shortest time.

Discussion:

Your teacher will show you the "racecourse" for this activity, which is a string tightly stretched between 2 supports. (Practice and testing strings may be provided.)

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Rules:

1. You may use only the equipment listed below.
2. No parts (except air) may be added to your vehicle once it begins its trial.
3. You must be able to attach your vehicle to the string without removing the string from its supports.
4. You may not push (or pull) your vehicle at any time.
5. The total length of your vehicle must be less than 2 meters.
6. Your vehicle must start each trial not touching the string. The trip is completed when the vehicle:
   1. is attached to the string touching the first support, then
   2. touches the opposite support, then
   3. touches the starting support for the second time.

Equipment:

balloons

straws

paper clips

tape

string

Procedure:

1. Draw a clearly-labeled sketch of each of your balloon rocket designs. If you change your design as you build and test your rocket, tell why you felt the change was needed and describe (or sketch) the change.
2. Make a data table to hold your official time similar to the one below. Record your time(s):
   

   Trial	Time (seconds)
   1	__________
   2	__________

3. Draw diagrams showing the forces exerted by the balloon and the forces exerted on the balloon. Be sure to make it clear what exerts each force, and what the force is exerted on. (Be particularly clear about which "air" you are talking about...) Which of these forces actually pushes the rocket? What is the Newton's 3rd Law "partner" of this force? Why don't these 2 forces cancel?
   
4. If you had an opportunity to redesign your balloon rocket, what would you change, and why?
   

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last update January 1, 2009 by JL Stanbrough