HELP How much weight does my water rocket need?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Jwryan0504
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    Rocket Water Weight
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the appropriate weight for a water rocket to successfully hit a target 100 meters away when launched at 60 psi, with a specific launch angle of 45 degrees. Participants explore the physics involved in water rocket design, including the relationship between weight, water volume, and launch parameters.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating the optimal weight for their water rocket to achieve a specific target distance and width.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "horizontally," clarifying that the angle of launch significantly affects the calculations.
  • A later reply specifies that the rocket must be launched at a 45-degree angle, which may influence the required weight and water volume.
  • One participant prompts the original poster to outline their current understanding and any equations they have identified, suggesting a structured approach to solving the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the calculations needed, and multiple viewpoints regarding the launch angle and its implications remain. The discussion is still unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet established specific equations or parameters, and the original poster has not provided knowns or unknowns related to the problem.

Jwryan0504
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Hi all!
I have entered a a water rocket competition. The rockets in this competition will be launched at 60 psi. We have to launch the rockets horizontally and to hit a round landing site 100 meters(approximately 328.084 ft) away and 30 meters (approximately 98.4252 ft) wide. I am not good at physics, so can anyone help me? How much should my whole rocket should weight to hit the center of the target? And also, how much water should i fill in?
 
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Horizontally, as in 0 degree inclination? or horizontally as in "some angle in the direction of the target" That's a big difference.
 
Sorry, I forgot to add in: the rocket must be at a 45 degree angle from the ground. Thanks!
 
Well, what work have you completed so far?

Have you identified any useful equations?

State your knowns and unknowns, so you can visualize the problem and use what you know to develop a solution.
 

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