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Combustion - Matchstick Rockets
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In our May demonstration, we went to Washington Jr. High in Naperville to light matchstick rockets, which work primarily due to Newton's Third Law of Motion, which is, "For every reaction there is an equal and opposite reaction." For matchstick rockets, that means that as hot gases from the lit match are forced out in one direction, the matchstick moves in the opposite direction.
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It also makes you feel good when they take off a few feet. And it smells oddly comforting.
We're told this is safe to do in your home. Depending on the age of your kids, you might want to light the matchsticks, though. And don't touch the paper clip right after you've launched. It could still be very hot.
This experiment also uses Bernoulli's Principle. And, of course, at the most basic level, this is combustion. Click on the links above to learn more about these physical laws.
We want to thank Washington eighth grade teacher Laura Colón, and eight grade students Joe Gorski and Charlie Ovens.
See more science experiment videosMaterials
- Paper Clips
- Matchbook with paper matches
- Long matches or torch lighter
- Beaker or glass of water
- Sheet of tin foil
- Sewing needle or safety pin (with no head at the end)
- Safety goggles or glasses
Directions
- Cut the foil into 2 centimeters by 4 centimeters
Fold the tin foil piece in half
Fold that piece into a triangle - Take a paper matchstick and put the triangle over it (like a
hat)
Make sure you see the outline of the match
Fold the foil over so that it makes a flage on the matchstick
Wrap the rest of the foil around the match
(Make sure you can still see the match shape) - Stick the needle in the bottom of the foil and push it up to
the head of the match WITHOUT PIERCING THE FOIL
Smush the foil around the needle, then pull the needle out to make a thrust chamber - Open the clip to look like an alligator's mouth, then open the
bottom so it stands up
Place it on the foil - Put the match, thrust chamber facing up, on the paper clip
- Put on your safety glasses
- Light the match
Newton's Rap
Click here for the words to Joe and Charlie's rap!
