How High Does a Rocket Go If It Accelerates for 4 Seconds?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum height of a rocket that accelerates at 29.4 m/s² for 4 seconds before coasting upward. At the end of the 4 seconds, the rocket's velocity is determined using the formula v = at, resulting in a velocity of 117.6 m/s. The maximum height can be calculated by applying the kinematic equations and the law of conservation of energy, factoring in the downward acceleration due to gravity of -9.81 m/s² after fuel depletion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically s = (1/2)at² and v = at
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration, specifically g = -9.81 m/s²
  • Familiarity with the law of conservation of energy
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the rocket's position and velocity at the end of 4 seconds using kinematic equations
  • Apply the law of conservation of energy to determine the maximum height reached
  • Explore the effects of varying acceleration on maximum height
  • Investigate real-world rocket launch data for practical applications of these calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in rocket dynamics and kinematics.

bkoz316
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Finding Maximum Height?

A rocket moves striaght upward, starting from rest with an acceleration of 29.4m/s^2. It runs out of fuel at the end of 4.00seconds and continues to coast upward, reaching a maximum height before falling back to Earth.

(a.) Find the rocket's velocity and position at the end of 4.00seconds.

(b.) Find the maximum height the rocket reaches.






There was ten parts to this problem and I'm stuck on how todo these to.
Thanks sooo much for the help!
 
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a) s=\frac{1}{2}at^{2}; v=at
b) at the end of the 4 seconds period, the rocket will have velocity of v (calculated above) and a downward negative acceleration of g=-9.81m/s^{2}. Do the rest yourself :)

Hint: You can also use the law of conversion of energy for the second part.
 
Last edited:

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