Is Relative Velocity Crucial for Rocket Launch Direction?

[TheronSimon]

Homework Statement

explain how relative velocity is related to the direction in which rockets are launched...

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi TheronSimon!

Tell us what you think, and then we'll comment!

 

[TheronSimon]

Since the Earth rotates from west to east, rockets are launched from west to east This is done to aid in increasing the velocity of the rocket because the relative velocity becomes the velocity of the rocket + the velocity of the Earth thus giving the rocket a higher velocity. What this entails is that, the rockets have a higher velocity and so they conserve fuel which in turn helps conserve the environment and having less of an ecological foot print.

 

[tiny-tim]

Yes, that looks good!

I think you should make this part a little clearer …

… This is done to aid in increasing the velocity of the rocket because the relative velocity becomes the velocity of the rocket + the velocity of the Earth thus giving the rocket a higher velocity.

… you haven't said what the "relative velocity" is relative to (and why it matters in achieving a particular orbit).

 

[TheronSimon]

would the relative velocity be relative to the earth? since its going into orbit?

 

[tiny-tim]

(just got up :zzz:)

that's right!

(and the orbit is not affected by the Earth's rotation )