Northwestern Physics Demos                                 Go back to Mechanics
DCS# 1N22.20NWU# M-14Location    2A3
title: Air/Water Rocket
aka: water rocket   or   Rocket

Description:
Toy plastic rocket in tray.   Pump with just air a specific number of times and launch.  (feeble)  Now pour a few milliliters of water into it and pump the same number of times.  The launch will be much more vigorous.

Questions:
   Why is the water so much more effective than the air?
   Would this work on the Moon?
   Would this work in outer space?
pix of plastic rocket in tray