Physics AP - Momentum of a Rocket Lab (#13)

Background:
Momentum is the mass of the object multiplied by the velocity of the
object.  The rocket is place on a string and then the CO2 is release
while the rocket is moving there is friction between the rocket and
string.

Problem:
To find the average velocity, the final velocity (Vf) of the rocket,
the momentum of the rocket, and to find the velocity of the gas.

Procedure:
1. measure the mass of the rocket with the CO2 in it.
2. After launching the rocket measure the mass of the rocket without
   CO2.
3. Repeat steps 1. and 2.
4. Find the mass of the gas by subtracting the mass of the rocket
   without CO2 from the mass of the rocket with CO2.
5. Find average velocity by dividing the distance by the time.
6. To find the final velocity of the rocket multiple the average
   velocity by two.
7. To find the momentum of the rocket multiple the mass of the
   rocket with the average velocity.
8. To find the velocity of the gas use the formula Pi=m1v1 + m2v2.

Data:
Mass w/CO2=132.2g(.1322Kg)
Mass wo/CO2=117.5g(.1175Kg)
Avg time=1.5s
D=23

Mgas        Avg Velocity Vf Rocket  Procket      Vgas
132.2-117-5 V=(d/t)      15.3×2     P=mv         Pi=m1v1+m2v2
14.7        V=(23/1.5)   30.6m/s    P=.1322×15.3 0=1322×15.3+.0147v2
.0147Kg     15.3m/s                 2.02Kgm/s    v2=137.6m/s

Conclusion/Analysis:
The value of the velocity of the gas is the average velocity because
as the rocket goes down the string the gas keeps coming out and the
weight of the rocket keeps change.  From this I can only assume that
the velocity if an average.  It may not be accurate.