Balloon Rocket Hands-On Lab
I. Balloon Rocket Data Table
| Balloon Size | Predicted Distance | Trial # | Actual Distance Traveled | |--------------|---------------------|---------|--------------------------| | Small | [Your Prediction] | 1 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 2 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 3 | [Distance in cm/m] | | Medium | [Your Prediction] | 1 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 2 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 3 | [Distance in cm/m] | | Large | [Your Prediction] | 1 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 2 | [Distance in cm/m] | | | | 3 | [Distance in cm/m] |
II. Balloon Rocket Questions
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In this experiment, we can see Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion in action. For this experiment, what is the action force and what is the reaction force?
- The action force is the air being released from the balloon in one direction, while the reaction force is the movement of the balloon in the opposite direction along the string.
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As we added more air to the balloon, the balloon traveled further. Why is this the case? Explain.
- Adding more air increases the internal pressure within the balloon. When the balloon is released, the greater pressure produces a stronger jet of air, propelling the balloon further along the string due to the increased thrust.
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If you have an equal amount of force pushing on both sides of an item, what happens every time? Explain why.
- The item will remain at rest or move at a constant speed because the forces are balanced, resulting in a net force of zero, which according to Newton's first law, means no acceleration occurs.
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A scientist wanted to move a golf ball and a bowling ball to both reach 15 mph. What would the scientist have to do differently for the bowling ball than the golf ball to reach his goal?
- The scientist would need to apply a greater force to the bowling ball than to the golf ball to accelerate it to the same speed, due to the bowling ball's larger mass, as acceleration is inversely proportional to mass when force is constant (F=ma).
III. How do you graph motion? Questions
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In the video, what color line for the Distance-Time graph represents the blue truck? Explain why.
- [Your Answer: Specify the color and reason based on the video content.]
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On the Velocity-Time graph, the black line represents the red truck. What does a flat line, that has zero slope, mean on a Velocity-Time graph? Explain why.
- A flat line with zero slope indicates that the velocity of the red truck is constant over time, meaning there is no acceleration.
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The Position-Time graph below represents someone going for a walk. At what position is the person not moving and how do you know according to the graph?
- The person is not moving at [insert position]; this is evident from the flat section of the graph where position does not change over time.
VI. Analyzing the Data:
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Type Answer HERE:
- The speed is constant.
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Type Answer HERE:
- The ball’s speed is increasing.
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Type Answer HERE:
- The object is experiencing acceleration.
- Type Answer HERE:
- The velocity of the car changes due to the change in speed and direction.
- Which graph BEST represents the relationship between velocity and time for an object that accelerates uniformly for 2 seconds, then moves at a constant velocity for 1 second, and finally decelerates for 3 seconds?
- [Your Answer: Specify the graph that best represents the motion.]
VII. Reading & Evidence Questions:
- Type Answer HERE:
- Type Answer HERE:
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Hands-On Lab Force and Motion
Balloon Rocket Grading Rubric
Scoring Rubric
| Category | Points | |----------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Balloon Rocket Data Table | /3 | | Balloon Rocket Questions | /4 | | How do you graph motion? Questions| /3 | | Analyzing the Data | /5 | | Reading & Evidence | /3 |
Make sure to complete all sections accurately and thoroughly for maximum credit. Good luck with your lab!