Hydrogen Rocket
Materials:
- 1 Pringles can with the cover
- 1 balloon
filled with hydrogen gas
- 1 length of rubber tubing
- 1 screw type clamp
and a pipe cleaner
- 3 rubber stoppers
Procedure:
Punch a small hole in the bottom of the Pringles can. Cut
a quarter sized hole in the cover of the can. With the
pipe cleaner, fasten the balloon on the length of rubber
tubing so the balloon can be filled with gas and not leak.
Fill the balloon with hydrogen gas and use the screw tupe
clamp to seal off the tubing. At the demonstration site,
place the 3 rubber stoppers in a triangular pattern for
a launching pad. With the Pringle can resting on the stoppers,
bottom side up, have one person create a good seal with
their finger over the small hole and tilt the can enough
for a second person to quickly release the hydrogen gas
into the can through the hole in the plastic cover on the
underneath side. Have a third person with a match taped
on a meter stick light the match as soon as the hydrogen
is done emptying into the can and light the small hold
on the topside of the Pringle can. Cover your ears.
Helpful Hints:
- This is a very violent reaction. Make
sure everything is done quickly and by people who clearly
understand their role.
- Be sure to light the can as soon as
possible because the hydrogen is lighter than atmosphereic
air and will escape the can quickly, causing the can to
blow up as soon as it is lit.
- The can will be sent a few feet
in the air. Make sure there is not anything on the ceiling
that could get damaged.
- As this experiment is easy to "misfire",
have a second or third hydrogen balloon ready.
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