Calculating Rocket Force with Mass, Velocity, and Time | Quick Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force exerted on a rocket based on the mass flow rate of propelling gases and their velocity at takeoff. The subject area includes concepts from dynamics and fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass flow rate, and velocity. There are questions about using a one-second interval for time and whether acceleration can be equated to velocity in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on how to approach the problem, including suggestions to find acceleration and apply relevant equations. There is an acknowledgment of uncertainty in the reasoning presented, particularly regarding the relationship between acceleration and velocity.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of time intervals and the definitions of acceleration and force in the context of the problem. The original poster's repeated posting suggests a need for clarification on these concepts.

Flinthill84
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Here is the problem:

Calculate the force exerted on a rocket, given that the propelling gases are expelled at a rate of 1500kg/s with a speed of 4*10^4 m/s (at the moment of take off)

I know that force is equal to the mass times the change in velocity over the change in time. Can I use a one second interval for the time and just make up a time like that?
 
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Yes, you are on the right track. The gas exerts the same force on the rocket as the rocket exerts on the gas. Find the acceleration of the gas by setting time equal to one second, and displacement equal to [itex]4\times10^{4}[/itex] meters. Then use [itex]F_{net}=ma[/itex].
 
Solving for acceleration won't the acceleration be the same as the velocity in this equation?? I used the formula of Vf=Vo+at
 
Flinthill84 said:
Here is the problem:

Calculate the force exerted on a rocket, given that the propelling gases are expelled at a rate of 1500kg/s with a speed of 4*10^4 m/s (at the moment of take off)

I know that force is equal to the mass times the change in velocity over the change in time. Can I use a one second interval for the time and just make up a time like that?
Use:

[tex]\vec F = \frac{\delta \vec p}{\delta t}[/tex]

In this case:

[tex]\frac{\delta p}{\delta t} = v \frac{\delta m}{\delta t}[/tex]

Where [itex]\frac{\delta m}{\delta t} = 1500 kg/sec[/tex]<br /> <br /> AM[/itex]
 
Thankyou very much!
 
Sirus said:
Yes, you are on the right track. The gas exerts the same force on the rocket as the rocket exerts on the gas. Find the acceleration of the gas by setting time equal to one second, and displacement equal to [itex]4\times10^{4}[/itex] meters. Then use [itex]F_{net}=ma[/itex].

Oh boy...forget this post. Not sure what I was thinking here... :eek:
 

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