Calculating the Initial Vertical Acceleration of a Saturn V Rocket

In summary, a Saturn V rocket with a mass of 2.75x10^6 Kg exerts a force of 3.3x10^6N on the gases it expels. To determine the initial vertical acceleration of the rocket, the equation F-mg=ma was used. However, the correct answer of 2.2m/s^2 was obtained when using 3.3*10^7 N instead of 3.3x10^6N. This suggests that there may have been an error in the original question from the textbook.
  • #1
PearlyD
18
0

Homework Statement


A Saturn V rocket has a mass of 2.75x10^6 Kg and exerts a force of 3.3x10^6N on the gases it expels.
determine the initial vertical acceleration of the rocket.



2. The attempt at a solution
heres my attempt...
F=3.3x10^6N
Fg=
M=2.75x10^6
Fnet-MA
F-Fg=ma
F-mg=ma
3.3x10^6-(2.75x10^6)(9.8)=2.75x10^6a
3.3x10^6-2.6x10^7=2.75x10^6a
-2.2x10^7=2.75x10^6a
-2.2x10^7/2.75x10^6=a
a=-8

The accual answer is 2.2m/s^2
Can someone explain to me what i got wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Are you sure it's 3.3x10^6N and not 3.3*10^7 N? You get the correct answer with 3.3*10^7 N.
 
  • #3
ideasrule said:
Are you sure it's 3.3x10^6N and not 3.3*10^7 N? You get the correct answer with 3.3*10^7 N.

No I am sure its that
this question is straight from a textbook.
 
  • #4
In that case, the textbook made a mistake.
 
  • #5
ideasrule said:
In that case, the textbook made a mistake.
It must have!
 

1. How do you calculate the initial vertical acceleration of a Saturn V rocket?

The initial vertical acceleration of a Saturn V rocket can be calculated using the formula a = (F - W) / m, where a is the acceleration, F is the force produced by the engines, W is the weight of the rocket, and m is the mass of the rocket.

2. What is the force produced by the engines of a Saturn V rocket?

The force produced by the engines of a Saturn V rocket varies depending on the stage of the rocket. The first stage produces a maximum thrust of 7.5 million pounds, the second stage produces 1 million pounds, and the third stage produces 225,000 pounds.

3. How do you determine the weight of a Saturn V rocket?

The weight of a Saturn V rocket can be determined by adding the weight of each stage and the payload. The first stage weighs 2.3 million kilograms, the second stage weighs 480,000 kilograms, the third stage weighs 120,000 kilograms, and the payload can weigh up to 140,000 kilograms.

4. What is the mass of a Saturn V rocket?

The mass of a Saturn V rocket can also be calculated by adding the mass of each stage and the payload. The first stage has a mass of 2.8 million kilograms, the second stage has a mass of 480,000 kilograms, the third stage has a mass of 120,000 kilograms, and the payload can have a mass of up to 140,000 kilograms.

5. How does the initial vertical acceleration of a Saturn V rocket affect its launch?

The initial vertical acceleration of a Saturn V rocket is crucial for a successful launch. The acceleration determines how quickly the rocket can gain altitude and helps it overcome the force of gravity. A higher initial vertical acceleration will result in a faster ascent and a more powerful launch.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
42
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
746
  • Classical Physics
Replies
17
Views
1K
Back
Top