Teabag Rocket

Can we launch it into space?

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Purpose -

This demo shows the principles of hot air rising and associated convection currents.

Nature - 

Demonstration

Materials - 

A teabag, matches, heat mat

Method - 

· Carefully remove the string and staple from the teabag, without tearing the bag.

· Unfold the bag and empty the contents; the tea leaves are not needed.

· Form the bag into a cylinder that is able to stand on it's end.

· Balance the cylinder on it's end on a heat mat and light the top.

· When the cylinder has burnt almost to the bottom it should launch into the air, and then the ash will drift back to earth.

Safety -

Caution needs to be taken with matches and burning paper.

Explanation -

As the teabag burns it creates an up draft of rising air. Cooler air moves in to fill the space left (a convection current), lifting the cylinder off the ground when it has burnt small enough.

Notes -

This works best in an absolutely still room, i.e. no fans or ventilators on.

Some teabags are not made from a folded tube of paper, so look for the right type.

This Wizard was generously supplied by Mr. Alan Below.