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Beginner's Guide to Rockets
Gas Pressure

Activity

If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page for these problems.
Materials:

  • Empty pop can
  • Bucket
  • Bunsen burner or other heat source for boiling water
  • Ice water
  • Matches
  • Beaker tongs

 Before you begin: Remember to record all observations. [Note the specific condition of the pop can before the boiling procedure (at room temperature), during the boiling step, and after the can is immersed in ice water.]

 Procedure:

  1. In the pop can, place only enough water to cover the bottom of the can--approximately 5 mm.

  2. Holding the can with the beaker tongs over the Bunsen burner, bring the water in the can to a boil. Let boil for 2 minutes. Remember to record observations.

  3. Quickly invert the pop can in the ice water so that only the opened end is slightly submerged. Record your observations and discuss observations with your lab group.

  4. Sketch a diagram of the air pressure forces acting on the can in each of the following situations:
    A. Pop can at room temperature
    B. Pop can during boiling step
    C. Pop can a moment after it is immersed in the ice water.

    Note: A larger arrow should symbolize a larger force than a smaller arrow. 

  5. Explain how gas pressure changed in the pop can during the procedure. To help with this question click on the slide Gas Pressure for review in the Beginner's Guide to Rockets. ----Is the pop can empty?

  6. Now click nozzle design to note changes in gas pressure through a rocket nozzle.
    A. What happens to gas pressure as the exhaust travels through the nozzle?
    B. How does molecular motion change through the nozzle?
    C. What is one function of a rocket engine?

  7. After studying gas pressure and rocket engines, list three questions that you or you and your lab partners have about this topic. 


Related Sites:
Teaching Standards
Worksheet
Rocket Index
Rocket Home
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Home

 

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Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: May 13 2021

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