Altitude of rocket with 2E5 N thrust

In summary, to determine the vertical height reached by a Polaris missile in the absence of air resistance, we can use the equations F=ma, W=mg, and y=.5at^2 to find the total upward acceleration and distance traveled. The correct answer is approximately 11.8 km, taking into account the altitude gained during thrust phase.
  • #1
astenroo
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0

Homework Statement



A polaris missile has a mass of 1.4 x 10^4 kg and its engine has a thrust of 2 x 10^5 N. If its engines fire in the vertical direction for 1 min starting from rest, to what vertical height would it rise in the absence of air resistance?

Homework Equations



F=ma
W=mg
y=.5at^2

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I figured F-W=ma, where a is the upward acceleration, F is the thrust, W is the wight of the rocket and m is the mass of the rocket. This would produce a total upward acceleration of a= (F-W)/m=4.49 m/s^2. The distance y is then y=0.5 x 4,49 x 60^2=8074 m. The correct answer should be 11.8 km (3.7 km in free fall).

Where am I thinking wrong here?
 
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  • #2
I have to find the velocity after its engine shuts down. The final velocity should be 0, so taking the following equation v^2=v0^2-2g(x-x0), where v0 is the velocity when the engines shut down, x0 is the altitude gained during thrust phase.
x=(v0^2)/2g + x0 = roughly 11.8 km.
 

1. What is the altitude of a rocket with 2E5 N thrust?

The altitude of a rocket with 2E5 N thrust is dependent on several factors, including the weight of the rocket, the aerodynamics of the rocket, and the specific impulse of the propellant being used. Without this information, it is impossible to determine the exact altitude the rocket will reach.

2. How does the thrust of a rocket affect its altitude?

The thrust of a rocket directly affects its altitude by providing the force necessary to overcome the force of gravity and propel the rocket upwards. A higher thrust will result in a faster acceleration and potentially a higher altitude.

3. Can a rocket reach an infinite altitude with 2E5 N thrust?

No, a rocket cannot reach an infinite altitude with 2E5 N thrust. Eventually, the rocket will reach its maximum altitude when the thrust is no longer able to overcome the force of gravity.

4. Is 2E5 N thrust considered high for a rocket?

2E5 N thrust is considered high for a rocket, but it is not the highest thrust that has been achieved. The Saturn V rocket, which was used for the Apollo missions, had a thrust of over 3E7 N.

5. How does the specific impulse of a rocket's propellant affect its altitude?

The specific impulse of a rocket's propellant plays a crucial role in determining the altitude the rocket can reach. A higher specific impulse means the rocket can use its fuel more efficiently, resulting in a longer burn time and potentially a higher altitude.

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