PUNE VIDHYARTHI GRIHA'S COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING PHYSICS MINI PROJECT REPORT
Rocket Science Decoded
Understanding Newton's Third Law Through Simple Experimentation
Submitted By:
1] Madhav Kendre – E-29
2] Ishant Kshirsagar – E-33
3] Shreyas Pakhre – E-42
Department: First Year Engineering Physics
Guide/Faculty Name: Archana Mirashi
Academic Year: 2025-26
Certificate
Certified that the students have completed the mini project satisfactorily for the subject of
Engineering Physics during the academic year 2025-26 under the guidance of Prof.
Archana Mirashi.
Acknowledgement
We express our sincere gratitude to our project guide Prof. Archana Mirashi for her
valuable guidance and encouragement throughout this project. We also thank PVG's
College of Engineering for providing us the opportunity and resources to complete this
project successfully. We are thankful to our classmates and friends for their support and
cooperation.
Abstract
This project explains the working principle of rockets using a simple balloon experiment
based on Newton’s Third Law of Motion. The model demonstrates how action and
reaction forces help rockets move forward. The project uses simple materials like a
balloon, string, straw, and tape to create a small rocket model. When air escapes from the
balloon, it creates thrust that pushes the balloon forward. Through this experiment,
concepts like momentum, thrust, air pressure, friction, and aerodynamics are understood
in a practical way. This project helps students connect theoretical physics with real-world
applications such as space research, spacecraft propulsion, and missile systems.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Newton’s Third Law
3. Physics Concepts Used
4. Materials and Procedure
5. Working Principle
6. Experimental Observation
7. Real World Applications
8. Results and Discussion
9. Conclusion
10. References
1. Introduction
A rocket is a vehicle that moves using thrust generated by the expulsion of gases. Rockets
are widely used in space research, satellite launching, defence systems, and scientific
exploration. This project demonstrates the basic principle of rocket propulsion using a
simple balloon rocket experiment. The aim of this project is to understand Newton’s
Third Law and its practical applications through simple experimentation.
2. Newton’s Third Law
Newton’s Third Law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In rockets, gases are expelled backwards with high force, and as a reaction the rocket
moves forward. In our experiment, the air escaping from the balloon acts as the action
force while the balloon moving ahead acts as the reaction force.
3. Physics Concepts Used
The important physics concepts used in this project are momentum, thrust, air pressure,
friction, and aerodynamics. Momentum is conserved when air escapes from the balloon.
Thrust is generated due to escaping air. Air pressure inside the balloon provides
propulsion. Friction and air resistance oppose motion, while streamlined shapes improve
movement efficiency.
4. Materials and Procedure
Materials Required:
• Balloon
• Straw
• Thread or String
• Adhesive Tape
• Two fixed supports
Procedure:
1. Pass the string through the straw.
2. Tie the string tightly between two fixed supports.
3. Inflate the balloon and tape it to the straw.
4. Hold the balloon at one end.
5. Release the balloon and observe its motion.
5. Working Principle
When the balloon is inflated, air pressure increases inside it. As the balloon is released,
air rushes out from the nozzle with high speed. According to Newton’s Third Law, the
escaping air creates an equal and opposite force which pushes the balloon forward along
the string. This demonstrates the principle of rocket propulsion.
6. Experimental Observation
During the experiment, it was observed that the balloon moved quickly in the forward
direction due to the thrust generated by escaping air. The speed and distance travelled
depended on factors such as balloon size, air pressure, and friction in the string setup.
7. Real World Applications
The same principle used in this project is applied in ISRO rockets, spacecraft propulsion
systems, jet engines, and missile technology. Rockets used for launching satellites and
conducting space missions rely on Newton’s laws of motion for propulsion.
8. Results and Discussion
The experiment successfully demonstrated Newton’s Third Law of Motion. The balloon
rocket moved in the opposite direction of escaping air, proving the action-reaction
principle. The project also showed how thrust and air pressure affect rocket movement.
The experiment was simple, economical, and effective for understanding rocket science
concepts.
9. Conclusion
The project successfully explained the concept of rocket propulsion using a simple
balloon experiment. It helped in understanding Newton’s Third Law in a practical and
interesting way. The experiment proved that even simple models can effectively
demonstrate important scientific principles used in advanced technologies like rockets
and spacecraft.
10. References
1. NCERT Physics Textbook
2. Engineering Physics Notes
3. ISRO Official Website
4. Educational Science Websites
5. Newton’s Laws of Motion Reference Material