On the day of the lab, we first learned about the Periodic Table and Reactions. We learned how to use the Periodic Table to find how much electrons each element takes or gives away. The elements follow the Octet Rules, which means they combine in order to create a full outer shell of eight electrons. An example of this is when two hydrogen atom combine with an oxygen atom to create H2O or water. Each hydrogen atom has one electron on the outer shell, and an oxygen atom has six electrons. When combined, there is a full outer shell of eight electrons. The electrons in the outer shell, or the valence electrons, is what causes elements to react with each other.
To demonstrate how elements react with each other, we created rocket engines.
We first got a PVC pipe, which would hold everything together and contain the fuel.
We then had to create the fuel. We mixed Sorbitol with Potassium nitrate on top of a hot plate. The result was a white paste-like substance.
To demonstrate how elements react with each other, we created rocket engines.
We first got a PVC pipe, which would hold everything together and contain the fuel.
We then had to create the fuel. We mixed Sorbitol with Potassium nitrate on top of a hot plate. The result was a white paste-like substance.
When it was mixed enough, we quickly poured the the fuel into the PVC pipe, which had one end taped off. The fuel was then left to dry and harden. Some space was left empty so that we could pour a cement plug in after the fuel finished drying.
When the cement finished drying, we drilled a hole so that we could place a fuse in.
After all of this, it was ready to be set off.
After all of this, it was ready to be set off.
I thought that our rocket engine worked successfully when it was set off. It looked as though it would have been in the sky if it was not held down with a clamp.
When the fuse is set on fire, the energy from the fire breaks apart the sorbitol and potassium nitrate. This produces water vapor and carbon dioxide. This gas has no where to go except for the hole we drilled at the bottom. The pressure this creates would have lifted the rocket engine if it was not held down.
I am not sure if I can actually determine if the results of our rocket engine was desirable or not. I thought the result looked desirable because it did everything it was suppose to. It should have worked well because we followed all of the directions correctly.
I also thought I worked very well on this project. I worked efficiently on completing the lab and understood everything that we were suppose to do.
For this lab, I worked with Angel and Franky. Us three already did a lab that was identical to this one. This meant that we already knew what we were suppose to do.
If we did this again, our rocket could have looked a little neat. We still did this as best as we could to create a successful rocket.
From this lab, I learned how exactly rockets lift up into the sky. Most importantly, I learned how and why elements react with each other, and how I can use the periodic table to determine this.
When the fuse is set on fire, the energy from the fire breaks apart the sorbitol and potassium nitrate. This produces water vapor and carbon dioxide. This gas has no where to go except for the hole we drilled at the bottom. The pressure this creates would have lifted the rocket engine if it was not held down.
I am not sure if I can actually determine if the results of our rocket engine was desirable or not. I thought the result looked desirable because it did everything it was suppose to. It should have worked well because we followed all of the directions correctly.
I also thought I worked very well on this project. I worked efficiently on completing the lab and understood everything that we were suppose to do.
For this lab, I worked with Angel and Franky. Us three already did a lab that was identical to this one. This meant that we already knew what we were suppose to do.
If we did this again, our rocket could have looked a little neat. We still did this as best as we could to create a successful rocket.
From this lab, I learned how exactly rockets lift up into the sky. Most importantly, I learned how and why elements react with each other, and how I can use the periodic table to determine this.