Sodium bicarbonate rocket

A sodium bicarbonate rocket (sometimes called an Alka-Seltzer rocket) is a model rocket fashioned from a 35mm film canister and propelled by the generation of gas from an effervescent liquid. It is often used in science classes to demonstrate principles of chemistry and physics to students.

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In the experiment, a film canister is filled with water and an effervescent tablet (commonly Alka-Seltzer) and tightly sealed. After a short time, the evolved carbon dioxide reaches sufficient pressure to cause the body of the canister to be launched into the air with a popping sound. The canister may be elaborated with paper fins to resemble more closely a real rocket. ^[1]

Lessons based around the Alka-Seltzer rocket can focus on a number of principles. For example, the students are sometimes asked to experiment with the amounts of water and Alka-Seltzer to find the combination which propels the rocket the greatest distance.^[1][2] Alternatively they may derive equations to calculate the speed and velocity of the rocket from the distance it travels.^[3]

See also

• Water rocket
• Diet Coke and Mentos Eruption

References