How to Measure Rocket Distances
To measure how high a model rocket flies after it's launched may seem an impossible task, since no measuring tape will reach as high as a rocket can fly. However, it is possible to calculate a rocket's distance from earth at any given point simply by taking a few measurements and applying a simple formula. Knowing the distance your model rocket flew can allow you to make improvements to your building technique and launch one even further the next time.
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Things You'll Need
- Model rocket
- Equipment to launch model rocket
- Quadrant or protractor, tape and string
- Sheet of paper
- Scientific or graphing calculator, or access to Internet
Instructions
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Back away from the launch pad as soon as your rocket launches, and take up position about 100 feet away from it. Any closer and you will not be able to get an accurate measurement of the rocket's angle, because it will appear to be directly above you. Record your distance from the launch pad, in feet. Make sure to be quick, since you will need to be in place when the rocket reaches its highest point.
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Point the quadrant at the rocket, and "click" it once the rocket has reached its apex. It will record the angle you will need for your calculations. If you are using a protractor with a string attached, point the protractor so its 90-degree line follows the rocket's path, with the flat side facing the rocket. When the rocket reaches its apex, make note of what angle the string records as it hangs down over the protractor. Whichever method you use, the number you get will tell you the angle between the horizontal line of the ground, and the imaginary line between you and the rocket.
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Input your data into the following formula to calculate the rocket's height at its apex: distance X tangent (angle) = height. Distance is your distance from the launch pad, probably about 100 feet. The angle is the one you recorded using your quadrant or protractor.
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Calculate the farthest distance your model rocket flew by solving the formula. This can be solved on most scientific or graphing calculators using the "tan" button. If you don't have a calculator with a "tan" button, there are websites you can access that give you a table of the tangents of each angle. Once you find the tangent of your angle, simply multiply that number by the distance to find your rocket's height.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a quadrant, you can use a piece of string taped to a protractor. Tape a piece of string, about 5 inches long, to the center of the flat side of your protractor. Make sure the string is directly in the center, and that it can hang over the protractor straight and unfettered, or the angle it calculates will be inaccurate.
Always consider safety first when you launch a model rocket, and only launch in an open area, away from people, cars, buildings and houses.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hobby rockets image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
