Kinematics (distance, speed, velocity, acceleration)

In summary, a rocket blasts off with constant acceleration and after 3.2 seconds, it is at a height of 85 m. The magnitude of its acceleration is 8.3m/s^2 and its direction is upward. Its speed at this time is 26.6 m/s. The equation v=d/t and v=gt were used to solve the problem, but further consideration of the rocket's engine and Earth's gravity may be necessary for a more accurate solution.
  • #1
pttest
16
0

Homework Statement



A rocket blasts off and moves straight upward from the launch pad with constant acceleration. After 3.2 s the rocket is at a height of 85 m. What the magnitude of the rocket's acceleration? What is the direction of the rocket's acceleration (upward / downward)?
What is its speed at this time?

Homework Equations



v=d/t and v=gt (since it moves straight upward)

The Attempt at a Solution


v=85/3.2=26.6m/s
therefore g=v/t => 26.6/3.2= 8.3m/s^2
But the answer is wrong. Could someone help me with it?

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
pttest said:

Homework Statement



A rocket blasts off and moves straight upward from the launch pad with constant acceleration. After 3.2 s the rocket is at a height of 85 m. What the magnitude of the rocket's acceleration? What is the direction of the rocket's acceleration (upward / downward)?
What is its speed at this time?

Homework Equations



v=d/t and v=gt (since it moves straight upward)

The Attempt at a Solution


v=85/3.2=26.6m/s
therefore g=v/t => 26.6/3.2= 8.3m/s^2
But the answer is wrong. Could someone help me with it?

Thanks in advance

Since it is a rocket you want to focus on its acceleration which is net of gravity.

When you are given time and distance and want acceleration ...

Isn't it

x = 1/2*a*t2
 
  • #3
oh ok...

Is the direction of rocket's acceleration downward?

Thanks in advance
 
  • #4
pttest said:
oh ok...

Is the direction of rocket's acceleration downward?

Thanks in advance

No. The problem statement describes an upward direction of acceleration. Earth's gravity is downward, but the rocket engine is delivering net upward thrust so long as it burns.

At the end of the burn there will be a net downward acceleration even though its velocity continues upward for a while.
 

1. What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is the total length traveled by an object in a given time period, while displacement is the straight-line distance between the starting and ending points of an object's motion.

2. How is speed different from velocity?

Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance, while velocity is the rate at which an object changes its position in a specific direction.

3. What is the formula for calculating acceleration?

The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

4. Can an object have a constant speed and changing velocity?

Yes, an object can have a constant speed but changing velocity if it is moving in a circular motion. In this case, the object's speed remains constant, but its direction is constantly changing, resulting in a changing velocity.

5. What is the difference between average and instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time, while instantaneous velocity is the velocity of an object at a specific moment or instant in time.

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