How to Make an Alcohol Fueled Soda Bottle Rocket

Building and launching a classic soda bottle rocket fueled by basic rubbing alcohol is fun and an educational lesson in physics. Just ask the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). An alcohol fueled soda bottle rocket closely resembles that of a ballistic flight pattern. Bottle rocket designs may vary, but are all subject to four forces in flight: weight, thrust, lift and drag.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic soda bottle
• Drill
• Drinking straw
• Tape
• Glass bottle
• Wire hanger
• Rubbing alcohol
• Lighter

1. Drill a 3/8 inch hole into the center of the soda bottle cap. Tape a straw length-wise and parallel to the side of the soda bottle.

2. Set up the base, or launch pad, by using a sturdy glass bottle or other stable object significantly heavier than a soda bottle. Wrap an extended wire hanger around the base leaving the last six to eight inches of the wire straight to act as a launch rail.

3. Add two to three drops of rubbing alcohol into the soda bottle and swirl around so that the alcohol mixes with the air inside the bottle.

4. Slide the straw attached to the soda bottle onto the wire hanger launch rail so that the cap side of the soda bottle points down.

5. Ignite a lighter close to the tip of the hole in the soda bottle cap and watch the rocket take off into the sky.

Tips & Warnings

• Safety goggles are recommended. Launch the rocket in an isolated outdoor space.
• When drilling the hole in the soda bottle, be sure not to create a smaller opening because it may cause excess pressure to build up and possibly explode. A larger hole lets too much gas escape, resulting in little thrust.
• Only use soda bottles for the frame because they're specifically designed to withstand pressures such as carbonated beverages. Some bottle rocket designs call for water bottles which aren't designed to withstand such pressure and may explode.
• Use only rubbing alcohol as fuel. Other alcohol sources may cause the soda bottle to explode. Rubbing alcohol is extremely flammable, be sure to use caution and have a fire extinguisher available. Keep the rubbing alcohol container sealed when not in use.
• Wait to retrieve the launched soda bottle as it may be too hot to handle immediately after it lands.

Resources

• NASA alcohol fueled soda bottle rocket designs