Can Logarithms Solve a Rocket Science Problem?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a rocket as its mass decreases due to fuel consumption. Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using the equation F=ma and its implications for varying mass. There is a request for a semi-realistic problem that can be solved using logarithms, despite the participant's limited calculus knowledge. The conversation also touches on the need to consider momentum changes, suggesting that the derivative of momentum should include the term v(dm/dt). Overall, the thread highlights the complexity of applying logarithmic solutions to rocket science problems.
TheShapeOfTime
[SOLVED] Rocket Science

"Calculate the speed acquired by a rocket whose mass varies as it burns up fuel."

Is there any way I could make up a semi-realistic problem relating to the above quote and solve it with logarithms?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
F=ma
F=m\frac {dv}{dt}
\frac {F}{m} = \frac {dv}{dt}
\int \frac {F}{m}dt = \int \frac {dv}{dt}
v=\int \frac {F(t)}{m(t)}dt
Not sure if that answers your question
 
I'm only in grade 11 and haven't done any calculus. Is there any way to make any sort of problem for this that only includes Logarithms?
 
mathlete said:
F=ma
F=m\frac {dv}{dt}
\frac {F}{m} = \frac {dv}{dt}
\int \frac {F}{m}dt = \int \frac {dv}{dt}
v=\int \frac {F(t)}{m(t)}dt
Not sure if that answers your question
Isn't force the derivative of momentum such that you would have to include the v\frac{dm}{dt} term as well?
 
Suppose ,instead of the usual x,y coordinate system with an I basis vector along the x -axis and a corresponding j basis vector along the y-axis we instead have a different pair of basis vectors ,call them e and f along their respective axes. I have seen that this is an important subject in maths My question is what physical applications does such a model apply to? I am asking here because I have devoted quite a lot of time in the past to understanding convectors and the dual...
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. In Dirac’s Principles of Quantum Mechanics published in 1930 he introduced a “convenient notation” he referred to as a “delta function” which he treated as a continuum analog to the discrete Kronecker delta. The Kronecker delta is simply the indexed components of the identity operator in matrix algebra Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-exactly-is-diracs-delta-function/ by...

Similar threads

Back
Top