Change in a rocket's kinetic energy

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the change in kinetic energy (ΔEK) of a rocket as it ascends from height R to height 2R, with speeds changing from 7600 m/s to 7320 m/s. The calculation shows that ΔEK is negative when using the formula ΔEK = final KE - initial KE, leading to confusion as the marking scheme states it should be positive. Participants debate whether the marking scheme is incorrect, suggesting it may simply be a typo. Clarification is provided that the standard formula for change in energy is indeed final minus initial, regardless of whether energy is increasing or decreasing. The correct interpretation of the problem confirms that the change in kinetic energy is accurately represented as ΔEK = - (2.09 × 10^6)m.
Miraj Kayastha
Messages
80
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


During the ascent from a height R to a height 2R, the speed of the rocket changes
from 7600 m s–1 to 7320 m s–1. Show that, in SI units, the change ΔEK in the kinetic
energy of the rocket is given by the expression
ΔEk = (2.09 × 106)m.

m : mass of rocket

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 m.v^2

The Attempt at a Solution


ΔEK= final ke - initial ke
= 1/2 m.7320^2 - 1/2 m. 7600^2
= - (2.09 × 10^6)m But the answer in the marking scheme is + (2.09 × 10^6)m.

Plz help and clarify the concept
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi Miraj! I'm afraid the marking scheme is wrong. :frown:
 
Last edited:
But the question is from CIE A level M/J 2007 Paper 4.
How can Cambridge university be wrong?
 
Miraj Kayastha said:
But the question is from CIE A level M/J 2007 Paper 4.
How can Cambridge university be wrong?
A simple typo maybe?

You have quoted the problem correctly? It doesn't ask to show that "the magnitude of the change ΔEK in the kinetic
energy of the rocket is given by ..." ?
 
i think the correct formula would be initial ke - final ke . beacuse enrgy is decreasing as d increases
 
minahil said:
i think the correct formula would be initial ke - final ke . beacuse enrgy is decreasing as d increases

This is an old thread, but a change is always the final minus the initial. If the question asked for the decrease, then that would be initial minus final.
 
  • Like
Likes Frigus
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
38
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K