Rockets and accleration with kinematics

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a kinematics problem involving two rockets, A and B, which are launched simultaneously with different accelerations: Rocket A at 12.2 m/s² and Rocket B at 15.9 m/s². The objective is to determine the time when the rockets are separated by 579 meters, along with their respective heights and velocities at that moment. The key approach involves using the equations of motion for constant acceleration to derive the distance equations for both rockets and then calculating the time when their distance difference equals 579 meters.

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  • Understanding of kinematic equations for constant acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concepts of velocity and acceleration
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations
  • Basic knowledge of physics principles related to motion
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  • Study the kinematic equations: \(d = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2} a t^2\)
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How would I go about solving a problem like this? What would the answer be?

Homework Statement


Rockets A and B are fired straight upward from rest at the same time. Rocket A accelerates at 12.2 m/s2, while rocket B accelerates at 15.9 m/s2. Solve for the moment in time when the rockets are separated by 579 m.
A. When are the rockets separated by 579 m?
B. How high up is rocket A at this time?
C. How high up is rocket B at this time?
D. How fast is rocket A moving at this time?
E. How fast is rocket B moving at this time?

I don't seem to understand the problem Thank you!
 
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What are the formulas for constant acceleration regarding velocity and time and regarding distance and time?
 
As one user just said, you need to use the formula given the acceleration and the zero velocity. Find the equation for the distance of each rocket. Then, take the difference between both rocket's distance in terms of time. Finally, you can use the given distance value to determine the answer.
 

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