• In order to accurately calculate the impulse, the ambient pressure must be entered into the calculation of the gauge pressure. Follow the instructions closely in the "Setup" section of the lab.


• It may be tempting to make the launcher without the masonite platform. However, the platform serves to stabilize the connections to the sensors and helps to maintain the orientation of the launching rocket.


• Another version of this lab is a projectile experiment. Students can measure the launch angle using an Angle Indicator. The initial velocity comes from the photogate (using the same "Stomp Rocket" DataStudio file). The range can be measured using metric rulers. Students can then make two graphs: theoretical range versus angle and measured range versus angle.


• To reinflate the 2 liter bottle, just blow through the PVC pipe. To minimize the spreading of disease, have the same person reinflate the 2 liter bottle. Sterilize the PVC pipe between usage.

Downloads:

• To download the "Stomp Rocket" DataStudio files with sample data for this experiment,
  click on Windows (Zip file) or Macintosh (Stuffit file).