Calculating Velocity of a Rocket: Balancing Mass and Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of a rocket's velocity using the equation v1 = (m2/m1) × v2, where v1 represents the change in velocity (Δv), m1 is the mass of the rocket, and m2 is the mass of the fuel. Participants express confusion regarding the relationship between the rocket's mass and the fuel mass, particularly how decreasing the rocket's mass affects the fuel mass. It is emphasized that understanding the rocket equation is crucial for accurately interpreting these variables and their interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the rocket equation (Tsiolkovsky rocket equation)
  • Basic knowledge of physics, specifically momentum and mass-velocity relationships
  • Familiarity with the concepts of Δv (change in velocity)
  • Ability to interpret mathematical equations and symbols in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation and its applications in rocketry
  • Learn about the principles of mass flow in rocket propulsion systems
  • Study the relationship between fuel mass and rocket performance metrics
  • Explore advanced topics in rocket dynamics and trajectory optimization
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding rocket propulsion and velocity calculations.

lasha1
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To calculate velocity of the rocket: v1=m2/m1 × v2 where v1 and m1 is mass and velocity of rocket and v2 and m2 is the mass and velocity of fuel.
Problem: m1 is saying that you have to decrease the mass of the rocket and increase the mass of fuel. But if you decrease the mass of rocket, the mass of fuel automatically deacrease.
How this situation works. I mean how to choose masses
 

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I'm not sure where you're getting this equation from, nor even what your symbols mean. Is v1 really Δv, the change in velocity? Does m1 include m2? Or is the total rocket mass really m1+m2 at the start and m1 when the fuel is spent?

I think you need to look up rocket equation and sort it out before you try to draw any conclusions about it.
 

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