The Launching
To eject the Nerf ball from our cannon, we will be utilizing the reaction between ethanol and oxygen; the balanced chemical equation for this is as follows:
C2H5OH+ 3O2 ------------>2CO2 + 3H20
The Justification Behind the Design
With this task, we had to keep the gas laws in mind. As Boyle's Law states, pressure and volume are inversely proportional; we decided to keep the volume of the area that the oxygen and ethanol would be reacting in smaller so that the pressure will build up and push the ball out with great force.
Gay-Lussac's Law says that temperature and pressure are directly proportional. With the increase in temperature when the ethanol is lit, the pressure in the canister will increase as well, forcing the ball out of its container.
Very nice Vicki! I like th layout and you did a great job explaining your design
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