Is it absurd? Yes. But is it FUN? 💯! Ketchup contains vinegar (aka acetic acid) which reacts with sodium bicarbonate, generating carbon dioxide gas, amongst other products. By containing the reaction inside a 2L soda bottle, a decent amount of pressure can be generated, enough to shoot the ketchup out of the end and propel the rocket upwards! And if you’re wondering how I made the launcher, it was little more than quick connect garden hose adapters, some zip ties, string and pvc tubing. I rigged it so that pulling the string pulled the quick connect adapter downwards, releasing the rocket as well as the highly pressurized mix of ketchup and baking soda. I did find that thinning the ketchup a bit with water helped with the launch, but ultimately my rocket ended up in a nearby tree. #chemistry #chemteacherphil