Rocket Lab
Hydrogen is a clear, colorless gas which is said to be “combustible,” meaning that it can
burn quite readily. Oxygen is also a clear, colorless gas that is said to “support
combustion,” meaning that it must be present for combustible materials to burn. In this
lab, you will be generating, and collecting both Hydrogen and oxygen gas and using the
reaction between them to propel a rocket. Hydrochloric acid is reacted with zinc to
generate the hydrogen. Hydrogen peroxide is added to manganese dioxide to generate the
oxygen. (Hydrogen peroxide decomposes by itself to produce water and oxygen at a
slow, imperceptible rate; the manganese dioxide acts as a catalyst to speed up this
reaction.) By collecting different hydrogen/oxygen mixtures, you will try to determine
the most reactive mixture that will propel your rocket the furthest. (This will be the
optimal stoichiometric ratio).
Because this lab is performed on the microscale level, the explosions, though potentially
loud, are completely safe. On the other hand, the two solutions used in this lab,
hydrocholic acid and hydrogen peroxide, can cause serious damage should they come in
contact with your eyes. Use them with caution!
Purpose:
To determine the ratio of Oxygen and hydrogen gas that causes the rocket to fly the
farthest
Procedure:
Materials
250 mL Beaker
Cut-off graduated pipet or super jumbo pipet
2 – Rubber stopper with hole and 1 inch nozzle
10 mL graduated cylinder
6 % Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
1 M Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Small test tube labeled “H2 generator,” 1/6 full of zinc
Small test tube labeled “O2 generator,” 1/6 full of manganese
Permanent Marker
Tap Water
Steps:
Caution: Put on your goggles and apron now!
RECORD ALL OBSERVATIONS
1. Gather materials
2. Fill the beaker ¾ full with tap water. This will act as a test tube holder, a
temperature regulator, and a water reserve during the experiment.
3. Using the graduated cylinder and the pen, mark the cut-off pipet to show six
equal-volume increments. This cut-off pipet will be referred to as the “collection
bulb.”
4. The test tube labeled “H2 generator” contains zinc metal and is topped with a
stopper (with nozzle). Remove the stopper. Using the full length graduated pipet,
and enough 1 M HCl to fill the test tube (leave approx 2 cm at the top). Replace
the stopper and set the generator in the beaker of water. Wait 5 seconds before
beginning the next step.
5. Fill the collection bulb completely full of water. Place the end of the pipet over
the end of the generator and collect the hydrogen gas.
6. Once the collection bulb is filled with the amount of hydrogen gas you desire take
the rocket and place it over the oxygen generator and fill the rest of your bulb.
7. Try as many combinations as you desire. When you believe you have determined
the most affective ratio to propel you rocket bring it to Miss Hollingworth and she
will propel it for you.
Data:
Create a Table with a Title that describes the ratios of hydrogen and oxygen gas you
used and the distance the rocket traveled
Analysis/Conclusion Questions
1. Write the chemical reaction from which oxygen is produced.
2. Write the chemical reaction from which hydrogen is produced.
3. Write the chemical reaction that caused the rocket to move.
4. What ratio of hydrogen to oxygen made the rocket go the farthest? Explain why
this ratio was the most affective in propelling your rocket.
5. Are there ratios that would cause the rocket not to move at all? Explain how this
might occur.
6. Does this reaction have energy as a reactant or a product? How do you know?