Water-Rockets

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Science Simulations, Technology Simulations, Engineering Simulations, Mathematics Simulations

Lesson 4: How Does the Type of Liquid Affect Rocket Flight?

The type of liquid fuel used makes a big difference in the physics of a rocket launch. Liquids have many different properties, some that can affect how rockets fly. Density is one important property of a fluid. Fill up your tank and start this investigation of liquids and rockets.

Here are some definitions to help you in your investigation.

Fluid - something that flows freely; a liquid or a gas

Property - a characteristic of something used to identify

Quantity - the amount of something

Mass - the amount of matter in something

Volume - the amount of space taken up by something

Density - a measure of the compactness of something

Viscosity - a measure of how easily a fluid flows

Doing the science

Start the Water Rockets Simulation by clicking on the “Simulation” tab.
Make the following selections:

Angle: 30°

Fluid Volume: 200 mL

Pumps: 4

Fluid Type: Glycerin

Air: Off

Wind: Off
Click on the “Launch” button.
Record the flight distance in meters in Table 1.
Click on the “RESET” button.
Repeat steps 2-5 changing only the Fluid Type to Water, and then Methanol so that you have completely filled out Table 1.

Table 1.

Fluid Type	Flight Distance (m)
Glycerin
Water
Methanol

Table 2.

Fluid Type	Liquid Viscosity (m)
Glycerin
Water
Methanol

Table 3.

Fluid Type	Liquid Density (m)
Glycerin
Water
Methanol

Do You Understand?

What liquid type produced the longest distance traveled along the ground by the rocket?

Use table 2 to describe the relationship between liquids’ viscosity and the flight distance along the ground by the rocket?

Based on the liquids’ viscosities, explain why the rocket flew the longest distance using this type of liquid.

Use table 3 to describe the relationship between the liquids’ density and the flight distance along the ground by the rocket?

Based on the liquids’ densities, explain why the rocket flew the longest distance using this type of liquid.