Match Stick Rockets Lab Mrs. Hamilton & Mrs. Rathburn

Purpose Initially, everything in the setup is at rest because the net force is 0 (balanced) and the objects are in equilibrium. In order to cause motion, a force has to act on some part of the setup. When you ignite the foil covered match, the exhaust pushes out the opening created in the foil. According to Newton’s Third Law of Motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. As the exhaust pushes out (action), the rocket launches forward (reaction).

Students - answer these questions in your notebook: 1. State Newton’s Third Law of Motion. 2. Make a diagram of your lab setup and label each part 3. State the action and state the reaction 4. Measure the distance of each of your rockets and record those distances 5. Record changes made to your rockets 6. Analyze your results and draw conclusions

Materials Match sticks Large paper clips Aluminum foil Ruler Scissors

Important Safety Tips Work in a well ventilated area away from solvents and other flammable materials. Keep a pail of water handy and dunk your spent rockets in the water to make sure they are entirely out. Don't ever shoot matchstick rockets towards another person. And as depicted here in the accompanying graphic-- keep your face clear of the launch area.

Common Misconception: Students often think that the action is lighting the match and the reaction is the rocket launching. These are not equal and opposite forces, so consider that. Lighting the match does cause the exhaust to form, but it is not one of the equal and opposite forces.

Lets get Started!! 1. Cut small rectangular pieces of aluminum foil (about 2”x 3”). 2. Fold the foil in half and wrap tightly around the match holding a straightened small paperclip up against the match. 3. Fold the end of the foil down around the match head to assure that no exhaust can escape out the top. Make sure it is wrapped tightly. 4. After wrapping the foil, remove the paperclip and be sure not to touch the foil and close the opening created by the paperclip. 5. Set the match on the larger launching paperclip. Light a match and hold it under the head of the wrapped match. **When it ignites inside the foil, the exhaust should escape out the opening and launch the rocket (match).