The periodic table is a way to identify each elements number of electrons, neutrons, and protons it contains. It also indicates how many electrons an atom needs in order to create a reaction. Each element in the periodic table has a structure in which everything has a place and name. The element name is located on top, and the symbol right below it. The atomic number on the right hand corner, which represents the number of electrons and protons. Lastly the atomic number at the bottom. The table is made out of rows and columns. Rows represent the energy level, or a shell (the outer elements that surround each other). Columns are there to show how many electrons are in the shell.
As for this experiment we created a rocket fuel engine. It relates to different reactions involved. The reaction that was used in this experiment was called a combustion reaction. The reason why is because it contains fire. This type of reaction is where oxygen comes in contact with a fuel to release all it's stored energy. By making rocket fuel, it allows the energy from inside to burst out when oxygen is mixed.
The materials we used were:
- A medium size beaker
- Hot plate
- Glass stir stick
- Small piece of PVC pipe
- Powdered concrete
- Potassium Nitrate
- Tape
So first we melted down the potassium nitrate into a beaker for a couple minutes. In order to keep it from burning, we had to be constantly stirring it. Next we poured the melted liquid into the small PVC pipe with tape at the bottom, preventing it from molding incorrectly. We left some space so then we could pour concrete on top of that. The concrete keeps the potassium nitrate intacted so that we could drill in a hole. With that hole Andrew screwed in a fuse. Today we lit up our engines and it worked pretty well.
As for this experiment we created a rocket fuel engine. It relates to different reactions involved. The reaction that was used in this experiment was called a combustion reaction. The reason why is because it contains fire. This type of reaction is where oxygen comes in contact with a fuel to release all it's stored energy. By making rocket fuel, it allows the energy from inside to burst out when oxygen is mixed.
The materials we used were:
- A medium size beaker
- Hot plate
- Glass stir stick
- Small piece of PVC pipe
- Powdered concrete
- Potassium Nitrate
- Tape
So first we melted down the potassium nitrate into a beaker for a couple minutes. In order to keep it from burning, we had to be constantly stirring it. Next we poured the melted liquid into the small PVC pipe with tape at the bottom, preventing it from molding incorrectly. We left some space so then we could pour concrete on top of that. The concrete keeps the potassium nitrate intacted so that we could drill in a hole. With that hole Andrew screwed in a fuse. Today we lit up our engines and it worked pretty well.
The Potassium Nitrate stores energy and when it comes in contact with fire it reacts with it. Fire is one of the most useful reactions out there. Once we lit the stop of the engine it started sizzling and cracking, that is the energy and oxidized solutions releasing from a confined space. This reaction is considered as a redox reaction. In the beginning when we were melting the nitrate, we noticed that it's a very thin powder like substance. It melts pretty fast and there is a possibility that it could burn.
This experience working with rocket engines was interesting. I've never really been interested in rockets, and so doing this lab created a different mind set. Coming into this semester of chemistry I didn't want to do anything that involved rockets. Learning the different parts of the engine allowed me to like it more than I thought. I'd be willing to learn more about rockets and the science behind it. Something that I understood very well was the reactions involve in the experiment.
This experience working with rocket engines was interesting. I've never really been interested in rockets, and so doing this lab created a different mind set. Coming into this semester of chemistry I didn't want to do anything that involved rockets. Learning the different parts of the engine allowed me to like it more than I thought. I'd be willing to learn more about rockets and the science behind it. Something that I understood very well was the reactions involve in the experiment.