Purpose:
The purpose of this lab is to build a rocket and determine its maximum height, power, and maximum initial velocity. You will also review the mechanics you have learned so far.

Discussion:
In order for you rocket to reach its maximum height it must have a force applied to it according to Newton's Laws of motion. Once this force is gone, the rocket will continue to move until it is slowed and stopped by gravity at it maximum height. The height and velocity of your rocket is determined by the engine you choose to place in it and the mass of your rocket.

Materials: one angle measuring device, one rocket, 1 tube of model glue, 1 container of white glue, 3 engines with igniters, wadding, and a launch pad (your teacher will provide the launch pad, engines, wadding, and igniters, you may purchase your own rocket or purchase one from your teacher)

Procedures:

1) Build your rocket according to the instructions. Make sure to use model glue for plastic pieces and white glue for paper pieces.

2) Load the wadding, engine, and igniter AT SCHOOL. Rocket may not leave classroom with engine installed without your teacher present.

3) Measure and record the mass and weight of your rocket. Also record the time of burn and average thrust (force) of your engine (this is written on a piece of paper that comes with your engines) Pre-Launch Data Table.

4) Calculate your predicted maximum height and initial maximum velocity (right after engine stops burning) following these steps:

1. Determine your net force (weight pulls down and thrust pulls up): F_net = F_thrust - F_g
2. Determine your net acceleration using Newton's Second law: F_net = ma
3. Determine your final maximum initial velocity using your other acceleration equations: a = v_f-v_i/t (remember that vi = 0 and t = time the engine burns)
4. Determine your coasting time: a = v_f-v_i/t (now a = -10 m/s² , your maximum initial velocity is v_i, and vf is 0 at the top of the rocket's path)
5. Determine your total height by first calculating your height while the engine burns and then your height while the rocket coasts: d = 1/2at² ( for burning height use time of burn and net accleration from step 2, for coasting height use 10 m/s² ...since it doesn't matter whether is is going up or down...and coasting time, total height is the addition of these two distances)

6) Launch your rocket and record the height angle for all rockets launched in the Launch Data Table.

7) Calculate the height of your rocket and the % relative error compared to your calculated value: h = (50m)tanq.

Question 1: Which rockets had the least % relative error for their height? Why do you think this is?

Question 2: Which factors have the greatest influence over the rocket? (mass, force, time of burn, shape of rocket, other) Why?

Question 3: Did the rocket with the most powerful engine actually launch the highest? Why or why not?

Standard Lab Report Required.

Pre-Launch Data:

Rocket #	Mass (kg)	Weight (N)	Thrust (N)	Time of Burn (s)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

 

Pre-Launch Calculations:

Rocket #	Fnet (N)	anet (m/s2)	max vi (m/s)	tcoast (s)	hmax (m)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Launch Data:

Rocket #	Height Angle (o)	Actual Height (m)	% relative error
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15