Lesson plan

Rocket candy

, used in war by Hamas.|thumb|right Rocket candy, or R-Candy, is a type of rocket propellant for model rockets made with a form of sugar as a fuel, and containing an oxidizer. The propellant can be divided into three groups of components: the fuel, the oxidizer, and the (optional) additive(s). In the past, sucrose was most commonly used as fuel. Modern formulations most commonly use sorbitol for its ease of production. The most common oxidizer is potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ), a compound commonly found in tree stump remover. Additives can be many different substances, and either act as catalysts or enhance the aesthetics of the liftoff or flight. A traditional sugar propellant formulation is typically prepared in a 65:35 (13:7) oxidizer to fuel ratio. This ratio can vary from fuel to fuel based on the rate of burn, timing and use. There are many different methods for preparation of a sugar-based rocket propellant. Dry compression does not require heating; it requires only grinding the components and then packing them into the motor. However, this method is not recommended for serious experimenting, this is because dry compression is less saturated, and can be dangerous if it falls out of the rocket. Dry heating does not actually melt the KNO 3 , but it melts the sugar and then the KNO 3 grains become suspended in the sugar.…

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Article summary

, used in war by Hamas.|thumb|right Rocket candy, or R-Candy, is a type of rocket propellant for model rockets made with a form of sugar as a fuel, and containing an oxidizer. The propellant can be divided into three groups of components: the fuel, the oxidizer, and the (optional) additive(s). In the past, sucrose was most commonly used as fuel. Modern formulations most commonly use sorbitol for its ease of production. The most common oxidizer is potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ), a compound commonly found in tree stump remover. Additives can be many different substances, and either act as catalysts or enhance the aesthetics of the liftoff or flight. A traditional sugar propellant formulation is typically prepared in a 65:35 (13:7) oxidizer to fuel ratio. This ratio can vary from fuel to fuel based on the rate of burn, timing and use. There are many different methods for preparation of a sugar-based rocket propellant. Dry compression does not require heating; it requires only grinding the components and then packing them into the motor. However, this method is not recommended for serious experimenting, this is because dry compression is less saturated, and can be dangerous if it falls out of the rocket. Dry heating does not actually melt the KNO 3 , but it melts the sugar and then the KNO 3 grains become suspended in the sugar.…

Key claims

  1. publication date: 1960 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95
  2. publication date: 1959 — source: Wikipedia · confidence 0.95

Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. The record states that the publication date is "1960". What evidence would count against this claim?
  3. The record states that the publication date is "1959". What evidence would count against this claim?
  4. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  5. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

  1. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1359385192

Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.