How Much Fuel and Oxidizer is Required for a Rocket to Reach 10,000 m/s?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the fuel and oxidizer required for a rocket to achieve a velocity of 10,000 m/s with a total load of 3.10 metric tons. Using the momentum equation P=mv, the initial calculation yields a required fuel mass of 15.5 metric tons based on an exhaust speed of 2000 m/s. However, this result is identified as incorrect, indicating a need to further analyze the relationship between fuel mass and the work it can perform. The participants emphasize the importance of accurately quantifying the fuel's contribution to the rocket's momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rocket propulsion principles
  • Familiarity with the momentum equation P=mv
  • Knowledge of exhaust velocity and its impact on fuel requirements
  • Basic concepts of mass and energy conservation in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation for a more accurate fuel calculation
  • Learn about specific impulse and its significance in rocket design
  • Explore the relationship between fuel mass and thrust generation
  • Investigate the effects of payload weight on overall rocket performance
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in rocket design and propulsion calculations will benefit from this discussion.

cryptcougar
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Homework Statement


A rocket for use in deep space is to have the capability of boosting a total load (payload plus the rocket frame and engine) of 3.10 metric tons to a speed of 10 000 m/s.
(a) It has an engine and fuel designed to produce an exhaust speed of 2000 m/s. How much fuel plus oxidizer is required?


Homework Equations


P=mv


The Attempt at a Solution


P = mv
P = (3.10 metric tons) (10,000 m/s) = 31,000 metric tons m / s

mv (total) = mv (fuel)
31,000 metric tons m /s = m (2000 m/s)

m= 15.5 metric tons

^^ This is not the correct answer.
I just don't know where to go with this anymore...
 
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those two thing you wrote down as equal aren't, it would seem like you somehow need to quantify how much work a certain mass of fuel can do.
 

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