Rocket Car
Safety Warnings
Warning: Hearing Protection Required
Warning: High-Velocity Exhaust Hazard
Purpose
Demonstrates rocket propulsion via Newton's Third Law and conservation of momentum. Expelling \(\text{CO}_2\) gas in one direction accelerates the cart in the opposite direction, showing that rockets need no external medium to push against.
Figure 1:
The rocket cart with CO2 fire extinguishers mounted on both sides for acceleration in either direction. The stool is bolted to the deck for rider stability.