How Is a CO2 Dragster Powered?

CO2 Car Basics

A CO2 dragster is a small model car powered by compressed carbon dioxide gas. A canister of CO2 is put in a hole in the back of the car. The car is lined up at a starting line, usually side-by-side with another CO2 dragster. When the race starts, small hammers fly up and puncture both CO2 canisters at the same time, propelling the cars forward. Typically, the whole race takes less than two seconds.

Pressurized Gas

The gas inside the CO2 canister is at much higher pressure than the outside atmosphere. When the canister is punctured, the air tries to escape to equalize the pressure. Because only a small hole is punctured in the canister, the air flows out in a focused jet directed behind the car.

Action Reaction

Newton's third law of motion is often stated as "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." When the gas shoots out of a hole at the back of the canister, it pushes the dragster in the opposite direction with equal force. The CO2 car is small and lightweight, so even a small canister of gas can send it flying.