Alka Rockets by Dale Olive Teacher Page Purpose To design a paper rocket propelled by alka seltzer and water to demonstrate Newton's third law of motion.
Gas pressure builds inside the film canister due to the mixing of alka seltzer and water.
This action continues until enough pressure builds to blow apart the canister from its lid. The reaction is the launch of the rocket. Preparation Review and prepare materials listed on the student sheet. It is most important to use film canisters with lids that snap inside. Do not use lids that close around the outside of the canister.