what processes propell alcohol boats?

Subject: what processes propell alcohol boats?

Date: Sun Oct 1 23:50:31 2000
Posted by susie dexter
Grade level: teacher School: takoma park middle school
City: silver spring State/Province: md Country: us
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 970458631.Ch

Message:


Make a little boat (tin foil will do) and put a bottle cap of alcohol in 
the stern with a wick  into the water behind. When the alcohol reaches the 
water, zoom-off it goes. The boat will also move if you add a drop or two 
of aclohol behind the boat. What's happening?  Surface tension break? Seems 
too vigorous for just that. Energy of mixing?

Re: what processes propell alcohol boats?

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