Acceleration of Space ship with thrust

In summary, the conversation is about calculating the thrust and acceleration of a space vehicle during launch. The first stage of the vehicle consumes fuel and oxidizer at a rate of 1.90*10^4 kg/s and has an exhaust speed of 3.45*10^3 m/s. The calculated thrust is 65550000 N. The question then asks for the acceleration of the vehicle at liftoff with an initial mass of 3.00*10^6 kg, taking into account all the forces acting on the vehicle. A free body diagram is suggested to aid in the calculation.
  • #1
mtv
1
0
New to the forum looking for Acceleration of Space ship with thrust

The first stage of a space vehicle consumed fuel and oxidizer at the rate of 1.90 104 kg/s with an exhaust speed of 3.45 *10^3 m/s.


(a) Calculate the thrust produced by this engine.
I got 65550000 N this answer was correct.


(b) Find the acceleration the vehicle had just as it lifted off the launch pad on the Earth, taking the vehicle's initial mass as 3.00* 10^6 kg.
But I am stuck on this question
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


mtv said:
The first stage of a space vehicle consumed fuel and oxidizer at the rate of 1.90 104 kg/s with an exhaust speed of 3.45 *10^3 m/s.


(a) Calculate the thrust produced by this engine.
I got 65550000 N this answer was correct.


(b) Find the acceleration the vehicle had just as it lifted off the launch pad on the Earth, taking the vehicle's initial mass as 3.00* 10^6 kg.
But I am stuck on this question

Be sure to take into account all the forces that are acting on the vehicle. Draw a free body diagram for the instant of launch.
 

1. How does thrust affect the acceleration of a space ship?

Thrust is the force produced by a rocket or other engine that propels a space ship forward. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it. Therefore, the greater the thrust, the greater the acceleration of the space ship will be.

2. What factors affect the acceleration of a space ship with thrust?

The acceleration of a space ship with thrust is affected by several factors, including the amount of thrust produced, the mass of the space ship, and the resistance or drag encountered by the space ship as it moves through space.

3. How does the mass of the space ship impact its acceleration with thrust?

The mass of the space ship has a significant impact on its acceleration with thrust. According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to its mass. This means that the greater the mass of the space ship, the smaller its acceleration will be with the same amount of thrust.

4. Can the acceleration of a space ship be increased by increasing the amount of thrust?

Yes, the acceleration of a space ship can be increased by increasing the amount of thrust produced. This is because, as stated earlier, acceleration is directly proportional to the force applied. However, there may be limitations to how much thrust can be produced by a space ship's engines due to factors such as fuel consumption and structural limitations.

5. How does drag affect the acceleration of a space ship with thrust?

Drag, or resistance, can significantly impact the acceleration of a space ship with thrust. As the space ship moves through space, it encounters air resistance, which can slow it down and reduce its acceleration. To counteract this, space ships are designed to be aerodynamic and minimize drag as much as possible.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
9K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top