Easy Experiments: Blasting Rockets

What you need:

• - Empty film canisters (if you don’t have any at home, check with a local photo lab)
• - Baking soda
• - Vinegar
• - Measuring spoons

Steps:

1. Take the top off the film canister.
2. Pack the lid of the film canister with baking soda (make sure you pack it tightly).
3. Pour 2 teaspoons of vinegar into the film canister.
4. Carefully put the baking soda packed lid onto the film canister and snap the lid closed.
5. Turn the upside down, put it on the ground and stand back!
6. After a few seconds the canister will shoot up into the air.

Tip:

• If your rocket fizzles and doesn’t explode, try a different film canister – maybe one with a tighter fitting lid.
• This experiment should be done outside to avoid making a mess and to give your rocket lots of room to explode!

Explanation:

The vinegar and baking soda combine to create a chemical reaction and produce carbon dioxide gas.  Pressure builds up in the film canister until it can’t hold the gas any longer.  The lid pops off, the canister shoots up into the air and the gas and pressure are released.