IYPT Problem No. 5: Ping Pong Rocket. ISL TEAM A

This study presents an in-depth investigation of the "Ping Pong Rocket" phenomenon, where a ping pong ball is launched from a water-filled container upon impact with the ground. The primary aim is to understand and quantify the factors influencing the maximum height reached by the ball. Through systematic experimentation, we examined the effects of water volume, air resistance, surface tension, and upthrust on the height achieved. Experimental data were collected for various parameters and compared with theoretical predictions derived from our mathematical model. Key findings reveal a significant dependency on water volume, with 2 liters of water generating the highest observed launch. This research advances the understanding of energy transfer and dynamics in fluid-structure interactions, with practical implications for related fields in physics and engineering.