Rocket's Max Altitude & Flight Time

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum altitude and total flight time of a 200kg weather rocket that accelerates upward at 31.0 m/s² for 35.0 seconds before running out of fuel. The initial velocity (vi) is 0 m/s, and the rocket's altitude can be determined using kinematic equations. The mass of the rocket is not directly relevant to the altitude calculation during the fuel burn phase, as the problem simplifies the scenario by ignoring air resistance and focusing on kinematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as acceleration and velocity
  • Familiarity with the concept of free fall
  • Ability to perform integration in physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the maximum altitude using the kinematic equation: xf = xi + vi*t + 0.5*a*t²
  • Determine the time of flight after the fuel runs out using the equations of motion for free fall
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on rocket flight
  • Study the principles of rocket propulsion and fuel consumption
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Students and enthusiasts in physics, aerospace engineering, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of rocket flight and kinematics.

jelder
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A 200kg weather rocket is loaded with 100 kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates upward at 31.0 {\rm m/s^2} for 35.0 s, then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects.

I just don't know how to integrate the weight into the problem

known variables (hopefully they are correct this may be where I went wrong)
vi=0m/s
xi=0km
xf=?
a=31.0m/s^2
t=35.0s



What is the rocket's maximum altitude?



How long is the rocket in the air?
 
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Why do you think you need to take the mass into account? I don't think that it's relevant to the question as it makes it much more complicated than just basic kinematics. Actually, the information in the question is set up so you don't have to worry about it.

Think about this question in two pieces: one piece is when the fuel is burning, and the other is after the fuel runs out.

How do you think you can find the height of the rocket at the point where the fuel just runs out?
 

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