Subject: Pneumatics refers to study of pressurized gas to produce mechanical motion. Pneumatic systems are used in industry, and factories are commonly plumbed with compressed air or compressed inert gases. This is because a centrally located and electrically powered compressor that powers cylinders and other pneumatic devices through solenoid valves can often provide motive power in a cheaper, safer, more flexible, and more reliable way than a large number of electric motors and actuators.

Hypothesis 1: Lighter objects will fly further than heavier objects.
Principle: Mass and weight are not the same thing.
Experiment: Take the pneumatic rocket launcher and tennis-ball rocket that makes it possible to add payload outside. Wear safety glasses, keep safety on until field of fire is clear of personnel and rocket is aimed in a safe direction. Set Launcher at 85 degrees.

1. Pump pressure to 40 psi with empty payload; Mark how far rocket flies.
2. Pump pressure to 40 psi with loaded payload; Mark how far rocket flies.

Conclusions: Have students do calculations and discuss what they learned.

Hypothesis 2: A rocket with an aerodynamic nose will fly faster and higher than a rocket with a blunt nose.
Principle: It is is easier to calculate speed when one assumes that air resistance does not impact flight speed. It is possible to use know numbers we know, like the velocity with which gravity pulls an object towards the center of earth and time an object is in the air, to calculate the speed with which a rocket launched.
Experiment: Take the pneumatic rocket launcher and inclinometer outside. Wear safety glasses, keep safety on until field of fire is clear of personnel and rocket is aimed in a safe direction. Set Launcher at 85 degrees

1. Have observer take Inclinometer 100 feet away from launch.
2. Pump pressure to 60 psi; Insert and fire rocket with blunt nose and measure how high the rocket flies.
3. Pump pressure to 60 psi; Insert and fire rocket with pointed nose and measure how high the rocket flies.

Conclusions: Have students do calculations and discuss what they learned.

Hypothesis 3: The greater the launch pressure the faster a rocket will fly.
Principle: It is possible to use know numbers we know, like the velocity with which gravity pulls an object towards the center of earth and time an object is in the air, to calculate the speed with which a rocket launched.
Experiment: Take the pneumatic rocket launcher outside. Wear safety glasses, keep safety on until field of fire is clear of personnel and rocket is aimed in a safe direction. Set Launcher at 85 degrees

1. Pump pressure to 20 psi with empty payload; Measure seconds in air.
2. Pump pressure to 40 psi with empty payload; Measure seconds in air.
3. Pump pressure to 60 psi with empty payload; Measure seconds in air.

Conclusions: Have students do calculations and discuss what they learned.

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