Does the Rocket Equation Accurately Describe Net Force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the validity of the net force equation for a rocket, specifically Fnet = [m(Vf - Vi)] / ΔT. Participants clarify that while this formula is correct for average force over time, it does not apply to rockets due to changing mass during thrust. Instead, the Tsiolokovsky rocket equation, Δv = ve * ln(m_initial / m_final), is necessary for accurate calculations. The conversation also highlights the importance of clearly stating problems and providing complete data for effective assistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with the Tsiolokovsky rocket equation
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics, including velocity and acceleration
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Tsiolokovsky rocket equation in detail
  • Learn how to calculate thrust and net force for rockets
  • Explore kinematic equations for motion under varying mass
  • Review concepts of average velocity and its application in physics problems
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in rocket design or analysis will benefit from this discussion.

cashman91
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is this equation true

Fnet=[m(Vf-Vi)]/Delta T

net force is equal to the mass times the change in velocity all over time

thanks a lot
 
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cashman91 said:
is this equation true

Fnet=[m(Vf-Vi)]/Delta T

net force is equal to the mass times the change in velocity all over time

thanks a lot

Well if it was reexpressed as

F_n_e_t=m(\frac{v_f-v_i}{\Delta t})

Does that help?
 
It should be the average force over time delta t in place of Fnet.
 
the formula malty gave is correct but how can you verify this formula is correct

I get where shooting star is coming from but i need to find the net force of the rocket

so far all i know is my two inclinometer reader posted scores of 53 and 54 degrees with a time of 1.03/1.07 seconds the mass of the rocket and the mass of an empty and full engine

i can solve the net force but i need to verfiy the formula is correct or not

this formula came out of a Nelson physics 11 book i don't have access to the answer manual if i did it would tell me if this formula is correct or not
 
malty and I have given the same formula.

Does the book define what is net force? Why don't you tell us what is meant by that? It's also a good idea to state the problem completely and show what you've done so far.
 
See attached jpeg for my attepmt

I need to find the

F(thrust)
F(net)
Acceleration
Fg
Vmax

I can find Eg and Ek easily myself but the problem is with the rest
 

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Last edited:
Vf would be zero becasue the rocket is at the top of it height

soooo... would Vi be 65.0m/s
If Vi is 65.0 m/s then using your formula

Fnet would equal 8372.878 Newtons**

** the (mass of the rocket full with engine)+(mass of the rocket empty)/2** is the mass of the rocket assuming the reaction is constant

am i correct?
 
The equation \bar F = m(v_f-v_i)/\Delta t is a direct consequence of Newton's second law and the mean value theorem for an object with constant mass. That equation is not valid for a thrusting rocket since the mass of a rocket. You need to use the Tsiolokovsky rocket equation, \Delta v = v_e\ln(m_{init}/m_{final}). For more details, see https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=199087".
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tsiolokovsky rocket equation i have the intial mass(beofre lauch) and final mass(after launch)

we timed how long the reaction(white smoke) took before the rocket flew so how could i findout the Ve of my rocket

thanks inadvance
cashman91
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Now perhaps you understand why I'd asked you to state the problem completely. There was no indication in your first post that mass was changing. Let's wait for the attacment to get approved.
 
  • #11
figured out my Vav is 31.71 m/s
height is 68.82m and time is 2.17s

Vav=(delta d)/(delta t)
 
  • #12
still nedd help
 
  • #13
anything
 
  • #14
If you post the problem framing it properly in a single post, then people would be more inclined to help you. Maybe the whole thing is there, but nobody has the patience to gather up the pieces and fit them to find out the original problem.

I'm trying to help you.
 

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