Bottle Rocket Velocity: Constant Force, Increasing Rate

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A bottle rocket experiences a constant force from the burning black powder, which results in an increasing rate of change in its velocity. This is due to the rocket's decreasing mass as the fuel burns, leading to a greater acceleration according to Newton's second law (F=ma). As the mass decreases while the force remains constant, the acceleration increases, causing the velocity to change at an increasing rate. The confusion arises from the assumption that constant force implies a constant velocity change, but in reality, the changing mass alters the dynamics. Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing the motion of rockets.
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Homework Statement

A bottle rocket is launched in the air. The black powder, which propels it, burns leaving an exhaust trail mainly consisting of CO2 gas. If the force propelling the rocket is constant, the rate of change in its velocity INCREASES.

Can someone please explain why the change in its velocity increases. I was thinking since the force propelling the rocket is constant the rate of change in its velocity is ZERO. ?



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The black powder burns out so the mass of the whole rocket decreases. ehild
 
The black powder burns out so the mass of the whole rocket decreases.


ehild
 
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