How can I fix my equation for finding initial velocity of a rocket?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differential equation intended to determine the initial velocity of a rocket needed to reach a specified height, h. The participants are examining the validity of the equation and its components, particularly in the context of gravitational effects and dimensional consistency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the terms in their equation and questions the assumption regarding the initial velocity at height zero. Other participants raise concerns about dimensional consistency in the equation and point out potential errors in the formulation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning the correctness of the equation and its components. Some guidance has been offered regarding the identification of a typo, but there is no explicit consensus on the resolution of the issues raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the equation provided is derived from a textbook solution, but there are concerns about its accuracy and dimensional analysis. The original poster mentions using kilometers for measurements, which may also influence the discussion.

aquameatwad
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i was working on a differential equation to find the initial velocity of a rocket to get to height h.

so i have, which i got and its correct cause its the solution in the book, v^2 = 2g(R/(R+h))-2gR+V(0)^2

v = velocity
g = acceleration of gravity at Earth's surface
R= radius of earth
h = height
and i assume v(0) is the velocity v at height=0 so v(0)=0?

Problem is when i keep getting a negative number. so i assume I'm making an amateur mistake.

What am i doing wrong? I've tried converting etc. I am using km
 
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aquameatwad said:
i was working on a differential equation to find the initial velocity of a rocket to get to height h.

so i have, which i got and its correct cause its the solution in the book, v^2 = 2g(R/(R+h))-2gR+V(0)^2

Really? I'm concerned because the terms in your equation don't match dimensions. Specifically, 2gR/(R+h) does not match 2gR.

Make that very concerned. :rolleyes:
 
I'm trying to use this
diff-eqn-rocket.jpg

y = R (the radius of the earth) +h ( the height i want to reach).
 
The last equation looks OK except there's a minor typo in it. The equation before that is OK, so use it to solve for v0.
 
whats the typo?
 
aquameatwad said:
whats the typo?

Bottom equation, " v2 = v2 ". Equating velocity with velocity-squared is a no-no.
 

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