Bottle Rocket - How it Works/How to Make

Fun video on how a water bottle works, some of the science, how to make them and some experimenting. The science includes talking about Newton's third law, but also why water is used as the reaction mass instead of just air. I also mention using spin to keep the rocket straight, much as a gyroscope does. A simple bicycle pump is used to create the pressure.

Go here for my webpage about this bottle rocket:

For more rocket science, watch "How a Rocket Works/Earth to Space Eg SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon":

And for my DIY gyroscope, watch "Gyroscope flying saucer precession UFO":

And to see where else I use a bottle, watch "Positive or Negative? How to Find Electric Charge Polarity":

To follow me on Twitter:

Music used:
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
ISRC: USUAN1100873

[TheKingofRandom]

It's fun to see the full version Steve! Nice work!

[RimstarOrg]

Yes, lots of good visuals and examples makes a difference.

[USWaterRockets]

You've done a really great job of explaining how the rocket is propelled and why water is used. You could use this as a starting point for further discussions about nozzle size, air pressure, and amount of water to use, since most people believe more water = better.

[RimstarOrg]

Thanks. Yeah, I was wondering if a smaller opening the the nozzle might help. Good to hear it does. I just haven't tried it yet (yesterday almost all the snow was melted, today we have already 2cm back and expecting 4cm!). I also plan on doing a better launch pad, either using the 2 nails approach for the release like you're talking about or using the tie straps approach. A parachute and a multistage are also in the plans for this summer.

[RimstarOrg]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Though the rockets are even more fun in person. Recommended!

[RimstarOrg]

Thanks. Looks like you've done a lot of good work yourself. Yeah, I started out with what I thought was too little water, tried more and then went back to less. I'd like to do more experimenting this summer and your videos are going to come in handy for stuff I'll need to know.

[USWaterRockets]

Thank you as well. If you don't mind, we will link to your video when people ask what the benefit of the water is. Your pillow example is brilliant. Also, we've only converted about 30% of our tutorials to video, the remaining tutorials are web-based on our home page. If you do get back into Water Rockets, you will find more info there.

[joenyc]

if only the US education system had teachers like you!!

[RimstarOrg]

Glad to hear it. Have fun and let us know how it goes!

[RimstarOrg]

Keeping in mind I have tried it or done calcs... is thick oil heavier than water? If not then it still could be good since you'd have a lighter mass during the initial thrust. If it is then it still could be good since you'd get a stronger reaction. Sounds like there might be a tradeoff. But I guess that's true of water too.

[Slider]

Great graphics, very clear, the pillow example was just right as a visual.
When the snow goes you could move to water bottle vehicles...might be fun, size of tires, grip, spin etc for the physics :)

[RimstarOrg]

Thanks! And I'm sure there are plenty, just maybe not all? Of course it also helps that you see only the finished product :).

[RimstarOrg]

Thanks, Grant! I've also been waiting for a keychain camera to arrive in the mail but it's late. Can't wait forever. My future rocket videos should have views from the rocket. Now back to work on my How a Wimshurst Machine Works video... my first 6 second animated 3D model rendering took 1 hour to render. Little by little it grows.

[RimstarOrg]

Cool. Upload a video if you do. And I just had a look at your channel. Lots of cool stuff there.

[MongrelShark]

Haven't made one in years. Gave up on getting them to go straight! Can't believe I never thought off mass vs surface area! I always get covered in water too. So the petrol rocket will have to wait. As much as I want to find out how it would work. Local airport may be less than impressed if I tried it :) Maybe a late night beach launch (ocean can be handy when covered in burning fuel).... Seems slightly less hazardous now I know how to stop it flipping.

[RimstarOrg]

Cool! I didn't know you made bottle rockets too. Sounds like you've got some testing ahead of you with the high pressure fuel. Be safe, and make a video of it!

[Slider]

That's kinda what I imagined...your launch tower on wheels, with directed nozzle. Where the bottle sits could give a wheelie, or more front end traction. Depending on propellant, it could shoot down on to the wheels for grip. Useful for icy terrains or hill climbing.
I dunno, just appealed as an idea and you make good fun stuff. As usual, got the mind going :)

[RonaldTugublimas]

I'm going make my own using the idea you have shared. Thanks for this.

[RimstarOrg]

Thanks! I've since come up with an even clearer way to explain rockets, but that'll have to wait for a future video. It's necessary though... surprisingly many people think rockets work by pushing against air!

I love your vehicle idea! A little hard to justify as educational even with the reasons you give :(. There's an issue with a horizontal bottle since the water won't be in the way of the opening. You could have a vertical bottle with a tube at the bottom to redirect the water horizontal.

[RimstarOrg]

Oh, I wonder how much pressure the the mustard squirters with the snap open tops that are hinged would take before the top snaps open? Though the can't hold much water and you'd have the problem of pumping in the air. Your kit sounds like a cool combination - instant rocket.
Hazarding an guess at the answer to your question, they were twins! :)