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Step 8The Launch
1. Attach the assembled rocket to the launcher.
2. Pressurize the water, using the pump, to about 60 psi.
3. Release, with launch.
The water, pressurized, will be pushed by the air out of the rocket and into the ground. The force the ground exerts on the water will push the rocket upwards until there is no more water in the rocket. The rocket's acceleration will then become negative, with the upward velocity at first decreasing, ceasing movement, and then falling back to Earth. At the point of equilibrium, the cap of the rocket should separate from the main body, at which point the tennis ball, with the parachute attached, will come out of the cap. The tennis ball, being heavier than the parachute, will, if not already below it, pass it fairly quickly. This will cause air to expand the bottom of the parachute. Now expanded, the force of air resistance will act against gravity and cause the tennis ball to fall more slowly.
2. Pressurize the water, using the pump, to about 60 psi.
3. Release, with launch.
The water, pressurized, will be pushed by the air out of the rocket and into the ground. The force the ground exerts on the water will push the rocket upwards until there is no more water in the rocket. The rocket's acceleration will then become negative, with the upward velocity at first decreasing, ceasing movement, and then falling back to Earth. At the point of equilibrium, the cap of the rocket should separate from the main body, at which point the tennis ball, with the parachute attached, will come out of the cap. The tennis ball, being heavier than the parachute, will, if not already below it, pass it fairly quickly. This will cause air to expand the bottom of the parachute. Now expanded, the force of air resistance will act against gravity and cause the tennis ball to fall more slowly.
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