Rocket acceleration, how high does it go?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum height of a model rocket with an average initial acceleration of 44.5 m/s² for 0.835 seconds. The appropriate kinematic equation to use is x = x(initial) + V(initial) * t + 1/2 * a * t². After the fuel burns out, the rocket will continue to ascend until gravity decelerates it to a stop, after which it will fall back to the ground. A velocity-time (v-t) diagram is suggested to visualize the rocket's motion during and after fuel burn.

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  • Basic knowledge of acceleration and velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with the effects of gravity on motion
  • Ability to interpret and create velocity-time diagrams
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  • Calculate the maximum height using the derived kinematic equations
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  • Explore the concept of free fall after fuel burnout
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JackDW
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A model rocket is fired upward. The rocket's average initial acceleration is 44.5 m/s2 until the fuel burns out in 0.835 s. How high does the rocket go? Ignore the effects of air friction.

I was thinking about using the equation x=x(initial)+V(initial)*t+1/2at^2
 
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Welcome to PF;
Before thinking about the equation to use, start out by describing the physical processes the rocket will go through. After the fuel burns out, what happens? i.e. can you sketch a v-t diagram for the motion?
 

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