A hydrogen powered rocket

Three clear empty plastic drink bottles, against a plain white-grey background

Source: © Shutterstock

Try this spectacular demonstration to make a rocket using a plastic drink bottle fuelled by hydrogen and air. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students observe as a ‘rocket’ made from a plastic fizzy drink bottle is filled with a mixture of hydrogen gas and air. The rocket is launched by igniting the mixture with an electric spark, and will fly several metres, propelled by the same reaction used to power the Space Shuttle.

Use the demonstration for open days, or to introduce ideas about the role of combustion energy changes in fuels.

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