Chemathon 2012

Physics Competition Rules

Balloon Rocket/ Plane

Each team will bring ONE balloon rocket/ plane (according to the following instructions) to the Chemathon 2012 competition.  Rockets will be judged on the speed that they traverse a 20 ft span, total distance that they travel, and on artistic style (Best in Show).  All balloons will be propelled along a length of nylon fishing line in doors. 

Preperation of the rocket.

Each rocket must be comprised of a plane/ rocket prepared from one full sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch paper.  A length of standard drinking straw (length to be determined by the competing team) will be attached to the rocket so that it may be mounted on a length of nylon fishing line.  A balloon(s) (number, size, and shape to be determined by the competing team) must also be attached to the rocket (attachement mechansim to be determined by the competing team). 

Rocket with Straw

Example of rocket with mounting straw.

Rocket with Balloon

Rocket with proplusion balloon mounted (by tape in this example).

NOTE:  Balloon is tied for the purpose of the picture.  Teams are not required to tie shut their balloons.

Rocket on the line

Rocket mounted on raceway. 

 

RESTRICTIONS:

NO COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS OR CHEMCIAL PROPELSION MAY BE USED. 

ONLY EXPANDIBLE AND FLEXIBLE BALLOONS MAY BE USED. 

STRAWS MAY NOT BE GREASED OR OTHERWISE LUBRICATED WITH ANY DRY OR WET LUBRICANT.

Speed Competition:

After mounting the rocket onto the line the team will launch their rocket by allowing gas to flow from the balloons. 

At the start of launch, time will be started. 

Time will be stopped and recorded at the point where the tip of the plane/ rocket reaches the 20 ft mark.

Each time will be allowed 3 trials with the best time submitted.

Distance Competition:

After mounting the rocket onto the line the team will launch their rocket by allowing gas to flow from the balloons. 

The distance that the rocket traveled will then be recorded once it stops along the nylon raceway.

Each time will be allowed 3 trials with the longest distance submitted.

Best in Show:

A panel of judges will examine each team's rocket/ plane for artistic styling and innovative design.  A winner will be determined by panel consensus.