Physics Summer Project
Water Rocket Launch Probe
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Muhammad Sufyan
Grade 11 F
Indian International School
1
Index
1. Introduction
2. Hypothesis
3. Theory
4. Design Sketches
5. Materials Used
6. Procedure
7. Observations / Testing Data
8. Calculations
9. Graphs
10. Results / Conclusion
11. Precautions
12. Sources of Error
13. Bibliography
Introduction
Water rockets are one of the simplest and most exciting ways to apply physics in real life. A plastic
bottle, some water, and air pressure are enough to make a small rocket fly high into the sky.
This project focuses on building a working model of a water rocket and studying how different factors —
like the amount of water used, the launch angle, and added mass — affect the rocket’s flight. By doing
this, we can connect the rocket’s behavior to concepts like Newton’s laws, projectile motion,
conservation of energy, impulse, and momentum.
Hypothesis
2
Increasing the water volume should increase thrust and height up to a certain point, but too much water
may reduce performance because of extra mass.
A launch angle of 45–60° will give the maximum range.
Extra mass added to the rocket will make it less efficient, reducing both height and flight time.
Theory
The working of a water rocket can be explained by the following concepts:
1. Newton’s Third Law of Motion
When water is forced out of the bottle at high speed, the rocket is pushed upwards with an
equal and opposite reaction force.
2. Impulse and Momentum
The momentum of the rocket changes because of the impulse given by the ejected water.
More water pushed out in a short time means greater thrust.
3. Projectile Motion
After launch, the rocket behaves like a projectile. Its path depends on launch velocity, angle,
and gravity.
4. Conservation of Energy
Compressed air stores energy as pressure. This changes into kinetic energy of water and then
into the rocket’s motion (kinetic and potential energy).
5. Gravity and Air Resistance
Gravity pulls the rocket down, while air resistance reduces its height and flight time.
Design
3
Materials Required
● Empty 2L plastic bottle (main rocket body)
● Cardboard or plastic sheets (fins and nose cone)
● Strong tape/glue
● Water
● Bicycle pump with valve
● Launch stand (PVC pipe or wooden frame)
● Stopwatch
● Measuring tape
Procedure
1. Constructed the rocket using a plastic bottle with three cardboard fins taped at equal spacing
and a paper nose cone.
2. Prepared a simple launch stand to hold the rocket upside down.
3. Poured different volumes of water (250 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml) into the bottle.
4. Pumped air with a bicycle pump until the bottle was pressurized.
5. Launched the rocket at different angles (45°, 60°, 90°).
6. Recorded the flight time using a stopwatch and measured the range with a tape. Maximum
height was estimated from observation and calculations.
7. Repeated the trials to check consistency of results.
Observations / Testing Data
Trial Water Launch Mass Pressure Max Flight Range
volume angle added height time
1 500 60 0 60 20 3.5 18
2 750 60 0 60 26 4 21
3 500 45 50 60 17 3 20
4
Calculations (Sample)
For projectile motion,
Assume launch speed , .
● For trial 2 (750 ml, 60°):
This is close to the observed height.
Graphs
1.
Results / Conclusion
● The rocket with 750 ml of water gave the best height and flight time.
● A launch angle of 60° produced a good balance between height and distance, while 45° gave
the longest range.
● Extra weight reduced performance significantly.
● The results matched the predictions, proving the hypothesis correct.
Precautions
5
● Do not over-pressurize the bottle, as it may burst.
● Stand at a safe distance during launch.
● Make sure fins and cone are fixed tightly.
● Perform launches outdoors in an open area.
Sources of Error
● Height was estimated, not measured precisely.
● Human reaction delay in stopwatch timing.
● Wind and air resistance affected the rocket path.
Bibliography
● NCERT Class XI Physics Textbook
● HyperPhysics: [Link]
● YouTube tutorials on water rockets
● Chatgpt