|
Physics behind the rocket By Connor Whitesell
Our rocket related to Newtons first law in that the rocket did not move until the opposing force (the locking mechanism) was taken away. This is because the locking mechanism counteracted the upward force of the rocket. So, if the rocket had an upward force of 45N the mechanism had a down ward force of 45N. While it was in flight it should have flown straight unless acted on by an outside force. Our rocket did not fly straight. This is because the wind was effecting it. So if the vertical force was 10N, it would take more than 10N of horizontal force to shift directions. Once the rocket looses its upward force the pull of gravity pulls it back down. Then once it hits the ground, the ground exerts an upward force to counteract the down ward force of the rocket. We observed Newtons second law At the rocket launch. The acceleration is directly proportional to force. This is because the more force that is exerted the higher the rate of acceleration. Newtons second law also states that acceleration is inversely proportional to the rockets mass. This is because the longer the rocket has been accelerating, the less propellent (in this case water) remains. Our rocket relates to Newtons third law by that everything that outside elements do to are rocket there was an equal and opposite reaction. An example of this is when the wind hit are rocket went of trajectory. Another example of this is in that before it came to complete stop on the ground exerted an equal and opposite to the rocket so that it bounced. |
Rocket reflectionBy Connor Whitesell
Overall, I believe that the exhibition went well. We had a great loading team. It was fun to watch rockets. The whole exhibition went smoothly. Almost every one arrived at the field early and we had time to do some test launches. Everyone knew when their rocket was supposed to launch. There was no dangerous rocket explosions. The crowd was never hit. Some of the rockets even deployed their parachutes. There was only one uncontrollable factor. It was windy at times. With out the wind, I think that the rockets would have flown better. I believe this because of Newtons first law. Newtons first law states that an object in motion will stay in motion in a straight line at the same velocity unless acted on by an outside force. I would have redesigned my whole rocket for better performance. I would have used a 2 liter bottle for a chamber. I would have also made the rocket longer in length. I would have used less glue and put more time in to the construction of the actual rocket. I would have tried my second stage idea. I also might have made a nose cone like Dylan’s. I also would have made a different fin shape. I would make my nose cone like Dylan's and fins like his. I felt that his nose cone had less drag. His fins had the most surface area with the least amount of weight. I would have put more time into parachute deployment. I also would have used a two liter bottle for a chamber. I also saw that the taller the rocket the straighter it flew. Our chamber was too small. Our nose cone came off but the parachute was stuck inside so that it did not deploy. Our fins where not helpful; our rocket was too short and not very aerodynamic. I would refine this exhibition by having the rocket teams have their rockets ready and by the launch pad. Most groups where ready to go. Some groups didn’t have their rockets even filled. Overall there is not much I would change. nI thought that this whole project was exciting and educational. I liked the launching the most but I also liked the building. I believe that the building could have been done better. There is nothing that I would change at the exhibition. I can’t wait to do the reverse trigonometry to figure out the height of our rockets. I also am looking forward to all the other math that we will learn in physics. |
Animas High school 3208 North Main Street Durango, Co 81301