Alka-Seltzer Rocket

Alka-Seltzer RocketWhat happens when you have a build-up of gas? Please don’t answer that question! The gas in question is carbon dioxide and the explosion is nothing short of fun. This experiment uses film canisters and Alka-Seltzer to create a rocket. Warning: It’s impossible to do this activity just once. It is addicting and habit-forming. Proceed at your own risk!

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18 replies
  1. Joe
    Joe says:

    I’ve been doing this project since i was like seven but i still LOVE it. I have done other things as science experiments such as rockets and methonal cannons witch are better but this one is the only on I can do in my house! 🙂

    Reply
  2. AZ girl
    AZ girl says:

    I have done this trick before. No one really expects it to work when… BOOM! That thing can launch like 30 feet!!

    Reply
  3. Steve
    Steve says:

    Maybe other people can share their experience as well. The results are all over the place because of the many variables (water temperature, how tightly the cap fits, which type of film canister you’re using, etc.). Using the Fuji canister and room temperature water, our students seem to gravitate towards a film canister filled a little less than half full with a quarter of a tablet of Alka-Seltzer. But again… it’s hit and miss.

    Best of all, you can see how great this simple experiment is for collecting, organizing and comparing data.

    Reply
  4. Peter
    Peter says:

    I love that experiment, i did that in my science experiment report fun thing to do. Alka-Seltzer Rocket launching BOOM!!

    Reply
  5. Amanda
    Amanda says:

    Does anyone know how to prevent alka seltzer from dissolving? I am doing a science project and I need to know ASAP!!! Thanks

    Reply
  6. Savannah
    Savannah says:

    heyy Does Anyone Know Who Rode The First Rocket and Left On It?
    Thanks so mUch I need to know ASAP!
    lol:P
    P.S
    And when was it built/created? and who created and built it?

    Reply
  7. Emilymari Rodriguez
    Emilymari Rodriguez says:

    In my chemistry class I made an Alka-Seltzer Rocket and I learned how Newton’s Law Motion was discovered by a chemical reaction.

    Reply
  8. Bob
    Bob says:

    I need to know what the best formula is for the best launch. Like how much water in ml and how much Alka-Seltzer in grams.

    Reply
  9. Rachel
    Rachel says:

    I have done this before with my class, and want to do it again this year. I ordered film canisters from Ebay, and got Alka Seltzer Plus, but it isn’t working. Am I using the wrong type of canister or is it the alka seltzer? Help!!!

    Reply

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