Introducing the Rocket Car Lab

 

For our Honors Physics class we were assigned to make both a track and a rocket car in order to gain a better understanding of acceleration, speed, and average speed.

 

First things first:

Materials:

• safety glasses
• 12 volt battery
• coated copper wire
• 4 meters of 2x4 wood plank
• angled iron
• thick wire
• 5 photo-gates
• Vernier software
• C rocket
• matchbox or hot-wheels car
• hot glue gun
• glue sticks 
• 2-3 pen tubes
• measuring stick
• nails or screws
• hammer or drill
• zip ties
• pen cap
• rocket igniter
• igniter cap

Step 1 Making the Rocket Car

            In this step, there is the most room for creativity, however, there is also the most room for error. The main goal is to attach the rocket either on top of or inside of (depending on your car) the car. They way we found to work best is by using a lot of hot glue.

            Also you will need to cut both the pen tubes in half. Glue one half on each side of the rocket, as well as one sticking up in front of the rocket. (Shown below)

            It would also be advisable to use the zip tie to further secure the rocket and pen tubes to the car. (Also shown below)