Breaking the Sound Barrier: Calculating Time and Thrust of a Rocket Launch

AI Thread Summary
A 25,000-kg rocket launches vertically with constant acceleration, and the goal is to determine the minimum time to reach the sound barrier of 330 m/s without exceeding the wire's tension limit of 35.0 N. The calculated answers indicate that it takes 25.3 seconds to reach this speed, with a maximum thrust of 5.72 x 10^5 N required. Additionally, when the rocket breaks the sound barrier, it is approximately 4170 meters above the Earth's surface. Participants suggest starting with a free body diagram to analyze the forces involved. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the physics behind rocket launches and the calculations necessary for safe operation.
DKphysics
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
A 25,000-kg rocket blasts off vertically from the Earth's surface with a constant acceleration. During the motion considered in the problem, assume that g remains constant. Inside the rocket, a 15.0-N instrument hangs from a wire that can support a maximum tension of 35.0 N.

a) Find the minimum time for this rocket to reach the sound barrier (330 m/s) without breaking the inside wire and the maximum vertical thrust of the rocket engines under these conditions.

b) How far is the rocket above the Earth's surface when it breaks the sound barrier?


I have no idea where to start with this problem. The answers in the back of the book are:
(a) 25.3 seconds; 5.72 x 10^5 N/s
(b) 4170 m
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Start by drawing a free body diagram of the weight hanging inside the rocket.
 
hage567 said:
Start by drawing a free body diagram of the weight hanging inside the rocket.

Okay
 
So once you have that, what do you think you can do next?
 
A 2.49e4 kg rocket blasts off vertically from the Earth's surface with a constant acceleration. During the motion considered in the problem, assume that g remains constant. Inside the rocket, a 12.4 N instrument hangs from a wire that can support a maximum tension of 36.0 N.

a) Find the minimum time for this rocket to reach the sound barrier (330 m/s) without breaking the inside wire and the maximum vertical thrust of the rocket engines under these conditions.

b) How far is the rocket above the Earth's surface when it breaks the sound barrier?

I have no idea what to do.
 
Go to Post #2. Follow steps there.

(It's better not to add new problems to old posts.)
 
Are you mocking the other guy by making a name similar to his? I find this either very coincidental, or pretty hilarious...
 
Back
Top