Rocket Acceleration: Linear or Exponential?

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Rockets experience exponential acceleration due to the constant loss of mass as fuel is burned, which reduces their weight and increases acceleration. In a vacuum, such as deep space where gravitational forces are negligible, this effect becomes more pronounced. The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation is essential for understanding this phenomenon, as it describes the relationship between the rocket's velocity, mass, and exhaust velocity. The discussion emphasizes that the initial condition of starting from rest further supports the exponential acceleration concept. Overall, the consensus is that rockets exhibit exponential acceleration in the absence of external gravitational forces.
galaticman
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Homework Statement


Do rockets have linear or exponential acceleration?

The Attempt at a Solution


This is not a homework question I was just wondering if Rockets have linear or exponential acceleration. I was thinking that they have exponential acceleration because of the constant loss of mass due to the exhausted fuel, which in turn makes the rocket lighter and increases its acceleration exponentially. I am not sure if this is correct or not. Please help!

EDIT: Say that this is a rocket in deep space where gravity from another body is zero, and the rocket starts from rest.
 
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