Rocket Velocity and Mass Ratio

AI Thread Summary
A rocket with an exhaust speed of 3000 m/s generates a thrust of 24 million Newtons, resulting in a mass flow rate of 8,000 kg per second. The discussion explores the maximum speed the rocket can achieve, starting from rest in a force-free environment, with 90% of its initial mass as fuel and oxidizer. Clarification is sought regarding the relationship between initial and final masses in the context of rocket velocity. The key point is that the mass ratio is critical in determining the final speed, which can be derived from the rocket equation. Understanding this relationship is essential for calculating the rocket's maximum attainable speed.
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A large rocket with an exhaust speed of v=3000m/s develops a thrust of 24 million Newton.
a. How much mass is being blasted out of the rocket exhaust per second and
b. what is the max speed the rocket can attain if it starts from rest in a force-free environment with v=3000m/s and if 90% of its initial mass is fuel and oxidizer?

a. 8 thousand kg (=24mill/3000)
b. I'm not sure what the question is asking at all
 
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Another way to phrase the question would be - if the rocket is 90% fuel mass, then what is its final speed (ignoring gravity)?
 
but don't I need the original mass?
 
b) Initial and final masses only appear as a ratio in the expression for the rocket velocity.
Find the way in which that ratio appears in the velocity expression.
 
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