Rockets and accleration with kinematics

In summary, the problem involves two rockets, A and B, being fired upward from rest at the same time. Rocket A accelerates at 12.2 m/s2, while rocket B accelerates at 15.9 m/s2. The goal is to find the moment in time when the rockets are separated by 579 m. To solve this, you need to use the formulas for constant acceleration regarding velocity and time, as well as the formula for distance and time. By finding the equations for the distance of each rocket and taking the difference between their distances in terms of time, you can use the given distance value to determine the answer.
  • #1
Watthelol
2
0
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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  • #2
What are the formulas for constant acceleration regarding velocity and time and regarding distance and time?
 
  • #3
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.
 

1. How does a rocket accelerate in space?

A rocket accelerates in space by expelling gas or liquid at high speeds through its engine, creating thrust. This thrust propels the rocket forward, causing it to accelerate in the opposite direction.

2. What is the difference between velocity and acceleration?

Velocity is the rate at which an object changes its position, while acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity. In simpler terms, velocity is the speed and direction of an object, while acceleration is how quickly that speed and direction are changing.

3. Can a rocket accelerate forever?

No, a rocket cannot accelerate forever. As a rocket gains speed, it also gains mass due to the fuel it is burning. This added mass requires more fuel to accelerate, making it increasingly difficult to maintain acceleration. Eventually, the rocket will reach a maximum speed and can no longer accelerate.

4. How does the angle of a rocket affect its acceleration?

The angle of a rocket's thrust, known as its angle of attack, can affect its acceleration. If the angle of attack is too high, the rocket may not have enough lift to overcome the force of gravity and will not be able to accelerate. If the angle is too low, it may not have enough thrust to overcome drag and also will not accelerate. The optimal angle of attack for acceleration is typically between 5-15 degrees.

5. How do you calculate the acceleration of a rocket?

The acceleration of a rocket can be calculated using the equation a=v/t, where a is acceleration, v is the change in velocity, and t is the time it takes for that change to occur. This equation can be applied to different intervals of time to determine the average acceleration of the rocket.

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