Maximizing Rocket Height: Calculating Gravitational Energy | Homework Statement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the launch of a rocket with a velocity less than the escape velocity, focusing on determining the optimal angle for achieving maximum height. The subject area includes concepts from kinematics and gravitational energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between launch angle and maximum height, with one suggesting that the direction of launch may not affect the height achieved. Another participant questions the clarity of the initial statement regarding the velocity in relation to escape velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the conditions of the problem and exploring the implications of the rocket's velocity being less than escape velocity. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some productive lines of questioning are emerging.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the problem's constraints, particularly regarding the definition of escape velocity and its relevance to projectile motion.

Karol
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Homework Statement


A rocket is shot with velocity smaller than the escape velocity. at what angle to the horizon should it be fired in order to reach maximum height.

Homework Equations


Total energy: ##E=\frac{1}{2}mv^2-\frac{GMm}{r}##

The Attempt at a Solution


The equation isn't vectorial, it doesn't say anything about direction, so, i guess in any direction you shoot it it will reach the same height, but the answer is 900
 
Last edited:
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Karol said:
A rocket is shot with velocity than the escape velocity

Greater than? Lesser than?
 
I fixed, smaller than
 
With the velocity less than escape velocity, the rocket executes projectile motion. So when is the height maximum?
 
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