Model Rocket Flight: Graphing Acceleration, Velocity, and Height

you_of_eh · Oct 5, 2009

A model rocket is launched with an upward acceleration, after t seconds it runs out of fuel at x height. Sketch the a vs. t, v vs. t, and position vs. t graphs for the rocket from the time of launch until the moment it reaches max height.

-I know that after the rocket runs out of fuel it will accelerate at 9.81m/s^2 down..other than that I'm having a hard time tackling this question.
-The graphs only have to be sketches (no numbers)
-I know this will be hard to answer in words..I just need a general idea of the shape and direction of the curve for each graph.

mgb_phys · Oct 5, 2009

What does the height/time curve look like before it runs out of fuel?
You can probably assume constant acceleration from the motor

tomcue · Oct 12, 2009

I can provide some guidance on how to approach this question. First, let's define our variables: a for acceleration, v for velocity, and h for height. We will also use t for time.

From the given information, we know that the rocket is initially accelerating upwards until it runs out of fuel at x height. This means that the a vs. t graph will show a positive acceleration until the moment of fuel depletion, where it will abruptly drop to a value of -9.81 m/s^2 (due to gravity).

The v vs. t graph will also show a positive velocity as the rocket is accelerating upwards, with a steep increase in velocity until the moment of fuel depletion. After this point, the velocity will decrease as the rocket starts to decelerate due to gravity.

Finally, the position vs. t graph will show a curved line, starting at the origin and increasing steeply as the rocket accelerates upwards. At the moment of fuel depletion, the curve will level off as the rocket reaches its maximum height. After this point, the curve will turn downwards as the rocket starts to fall due to gravity.

Overall, the shape and direction of the curves will resemble a parabola, with an initial steep increase followed by a leveling off and then a decrease. I hope this helps to provide a general idea of the graphs for the model rocket flight.

Model Rocket Flight: Graphing Acceleration, Velocity, and Height

1. What is the purpose of graphing acceleration, velocity, and height in model rocket flight?

The purpose of graphing these variables is to analyze and understand the motion of a model rocket throughout its flight. By graphing the data, we can visualize the changes in acceleration, velocity, and height over time, and make predictions about the rocket's performance.

2. How do you measure acceleration, velocity, and height in model rocket flight?

Acceleration and velocity can be measured using an accelerometer or a velocity tracker attached to the rocket. Height can be measured using an altimeter or by tracking the rocket's position with a GPS device.

3. What factors affect the acceleration, velocity, and height of a model rocket?

The acceleration, velocity, and height of a model rocket are affected by factors such as the weight and design of the rocket, the amount of thrust produced by the engine, and external forces such as wind resistance and gravity.

4. How can graphing acceleration, velocity, and height help improve the performance of a model rocket?

By analyzing the graphs, we can identify areas where the rocket may have experienced a decrease in acceleration or velocity, or where it did not reach the desired height. This information can be used to make adjustments to the rocket's design or engine to improve its performance in future launches.

5. Are there any limitations to graphing acceleration, velocity, and height in model rocket flight?

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