Help with max rocket height. Heights differ with methods.

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SUMMARY

The maximum altitude of a weather rocket weighing 200 kg with 100 kg of fuel, accelerating at 30 m/s² for 30 seconds, is calculated using kinematic equations. The first method yields a maximum altitude of 55,000 meters, while the second method, which incorrectly omits the gravitational term after fuel depletion, suggests an altitude of 96,000 meters. The correct approach incorporates the gravitational acceleration of -9.81 m/s² after fuel exhaustion, leading to the conclusion that the rocket's maximum altitude is 55,000 meters.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically Δx=V0t+(1/2)at²
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration, specifically -9.81 m/s²
  • Familiarity with concepts of projectile motion and forces
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
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Homework Statement


A 200 kg weather rocket is loaded with 100 kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates upward at 30 m/s^2 for 30s, then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects. What is the rocket’s maximum altitude?

Homework Equations


Δx=V0t+(1/2)at2
V=V0+at
2aΔx=V2-V02

The Attempt at a Solution


Δx=(1/2)(30m/s2)(30s)2=13500m

V=0(m/s)+(1/2)(30m/s2)(30s)=900m/s
2(-9.81m/s2)Δx=02-9002m/s
=> Δx=41300m

Total height: 55000m

However, I did it another way and received a different result.
V=V0+at
0=900+(-9.81)t
t=91.7s

Δx=(900m/s)(91.7s)=82530m
Total height: 96000m

Why is this?
 
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In your second method, there is a missing ##-\frac{1}{2}gt^2## term. After it runs out of fuel, its acceleration will be g but not 0.
 
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