How Do Impulse and Work Relate in Rocket Dynamics Homework Problems?

AI Thread Summary
Impulse and work are not synonymous in the context of rocket dynamics; they relate differently based on the situation. In a hovering rocket, the work done is zero since the velocity is zero, leading to zero efficiency and wasted energy. To determine the mass of the rocket or the power of the engine, additional information such as mass flow rate or exit velocity is necessary. The power required to maintain a static position is influenced by the engine's efficiency. Understanding these principles is crucial for solving rocket dynamics problems effectively.
Persson
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Homework Statement


I have a hipotetic rocket that have a power of 3000 watt, however its position don't change because the effect of a gravity of 10m/s^2 do the rocket remains like it would be resting. I need to determine the mass of the rocket. In a similar problem I have a rocket also in an unchangeable altitude by the effect of the gravity with a mass of 400kg and I need to determine the power of the rocket engine.
I would like to know if I could consider in this case impulse and work as synonymous or if there's another way to solve the problem. Since there's a spend of energy by the rockets .

Homework Equations



It's not used the rocket equation, it is just a hypothetical situation to calculate the energy spend to remain a static position

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Persson said:

Homework Statement


I have a hipotetic rocket that have a power of 3000 watt, however its position don't change because the effect of a gravity of 10m/s^2 do the rocket remains like it would be resting. I need to determine the mass of the rocket.

In a similar problem I have a rocket also in an unchangeable altitude by the effect of the gravity with a mass of 400kg and I need to determine the power of the rocket engine.
I would like to know if I could consider in this case impulse and work as synonymous or if there's another way to solve the problem. Since there's a spend of energy by the rockets .

You cannot solve either. You need more information. Do you know the mass flow rate from the rocket engine? The exit velocity?

The work done on a rocket is the thrust * velocity. When the rocket is hovering the velocity is zero. So the work done on the rocket is zero. This means the efficiency is zero. All of the work done by the rocket (or helicopter rotor) is wasted. The power required to hover depends on the efficincy of the engine.
 
Thank you so much
 
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