Constant Acceleration one dimension

AI Thread Summary
A rocket accelerates at 20 m/s² for 5 seconds, reaching a height of 250 meters and a velocity of 100 m/s when it runs out of fuel. After fuel depletion, only gravity acts on the rocket, with an initial velocity of 100 m/s. The maximum height is calculated by considering the additional distance traveled during the upward motion before gravity halts its ascent. The total time to hit the ground includes both the ascent and the fall, totaling approximately 20 seconds. Understanding the transition from powered flight to free fall is crucial for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement


A rocket starting at rest takes on a net acceleration of 20m/s^2 in a vertical line until it runs out of fuel after 5 seconds.

At what height does it run out of fuel?
What is its velocity when it runs out of fuel?
What is its maximum height?
How long does it take to hit the ground?

Homework Equations


g = -10m/s^2

The Attempt at a Solution


x(t) = 1/2at^2 + Vot

Vo = 0
a = 20m/s^2
t = 5

a)10(25) m = 250m
b)v(t) = at + vo
v(t) = (20)(5) = 100 m/s

c) max height
v(t) = 0
at + vo = 0
at = 0
*;/

d) x(t) = 0
1/2at^2 + Vot
5t^2 + 0What did I do wrong :/. The net acceleration part is confusing me. Is the Vo zero?
 
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You need to do more kinematics starting at the point when the rocket runs out of fuel. Now your only acceleration is gravity, and you've got the rocket's velocity at this point and its elevation. Find its displacement from this point of reference.
 
physicsface said:
You need to do more kinematics starting at the point when the rocket runs out of fuel. Now your only acceleration is gravity, and you've got the rocket's velocity at this point and its elevation. Find its displacement from this point of reference.

Hm,
So...
c)
Vo = 100m/s

v(t) = -10t + 100m/s
0
-100/-10 = t
t = 10 s
x(10) = -500 + 1000
= 500m
d) = 20 s?
 
c) You forgot about the elevation it was already at! The rocket's at 500 m displacement from the reference point at 250 m, so what's the elevation at the peak?

d) You need to include the 5 seconds it takes to run out of fuel as well as the time it takes to get through the last 250 m of its fall.
 
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