Rocket fuel consumption too easy?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a rocket over time as it consumes fuel, using the formula m(t) = [(m(final) - m(initial)) / t(final)]t + m(initial). Participants confirm that this approach is valid if the mass is lost at a constant rate. Concerns are raised about the simplicity of the solution compared to more complex assignments involving derivatives and integrals. The consensus is that the straightforward calculation is appropriate for this scenario. Overall, the thread emphasizes the relationship between fuel consumption and mass change in rocket dynamics.
shutoutsteve
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Homework Statement


Rocket with fuel mass of m(initial)
Rocket without fuel is m(final)
Time for fuel to be used up is t(final)


Homework Equations


What is m(t) (slope of m vs t graph)
(i assume t(initial) is zero

The Attempt at a Solution



[((m(final) -m(initial)) / t(final)]t + m(initial) for interval 0<t<tf

just mx+b?
 
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shutoutsteve said:

Homework Statement


Rocket with fuel mass of m(initial)
Rocket without fuel is m(final)
Time for fuel to be used up is t(final)


Homework Equations


What is m(t) (slope of m vs t graph)
(i assume t(initial) is zero

The Attempt at a Solution



[((m(final) -m(initial)) / t(final)]t + m(initial) for interval 0<t<tf

just mx+b?

That's true if mass is lost at a constant rate.
 
Yes, that was given too.
Our other assignment page is covered in derivatives and integrals, but my answer for this one was simple math, so I was worried I had it wrong. :)
 

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