Lesson 5: How Does the Presence of Air and Wind Affect Rocket Flight?

In science, there are often ideal situations and practical situations. Water rockets would operate differently in a vacuum then they would with air and wind creating drag. Don’t let this study be a drag on you; blast off on your investigation!

Doing the science

1. Start the Water Rockets Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Make the following selections:
   • Angle: 30°
   • Fluid Volume: 200 mL
   • Pumps: 4
   • Fluid Type: Methanol
   • Air: Off
   • Wind: Off
3. Click on the Launch button.
4. Record the flight distance in meters in Table 1.
5. Click on the RESET button.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 with all of the options described in column 1 of Table 1. To change the direction of the wind, click the orange arrow in the top right hand corner of the screen.