Solving Newtons 2nd Law Homework: Velocity of Rocket on Ground

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem related to Newton's second law, specifically focusing on the velocity of a rocket on the ground. The original poster outlines a series of questions regarding the rocket's weight, fuel ejection, and resulting velocities, while seeking clarification on the application of concepts such as acceleration and gravitational effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of fuel ejection on the rocket's velocity and question the role of gravity in calculating the upward velocity. There is an exploration of the conditions under which the rocket's velocity can be determined, particularly when gravity is considered or ignored.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of earlier answers provided by the original poster. There is ongoing exploration of the implications of ignoring gravity on the rocket's velocity, with questions raised about how to arrive at specific velocity values under different assumptions.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, particularly regarding the assumption of no wind and the effects of gravity on the rocket's motion. The original poster expresses uncertainty about which values to use in their calculations.

iuhoosierz
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Homework Statement


Ok this is kind of long. This is the 4th question on my homework assignment and I need to give background on the first 3 to make sure I got those correct.
1. I am sure on this since it was simply finding the weight of a rocket ship that has an intial mass of 3kg. Answer is 30N

2. Question is: Let's assume half the mass of the rocket is fuel and is spewed out nearly instantaneously. If the fuel for the rocket travels downward at a velocity of 40 m/s then what will be the initial velocity of the rest of the rocket? My answer is 40m/s Is this correct?

3. Instead of saying it is instantaneous let's say that the fuel was ejected in a time of 0.2 seconds.
A. Ignoring gravity during this time, what is the acceleration on the rocket during this time. I used A=change in Vel/Time and got 200 m/s
B. What is the force on the rocket during this time? I used F=MA and got 300N Up

Ok, IF these are all correct here is the question that I cannot figure out.

4. Near the ground there is no wind
A. What is the velocity of the rocket in the East Direction?
B. What is the velocity in the up direction?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know velocity=change in position/time but not real sure what #'s to use here and really it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Do I need to use 10m/s for gravity in here somewhere?
Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited:
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Your answers to 1, 2 and 3 are correct.

4-A. Zero, because there is no horizontal force.
4-B. Doesn't make sense if you ignore gravity. It'll be still 40 m/s.
 
Thanks. So if we weren't ignoring gravity would it be 10m/s?
 
iuhoosierz said:
Thanks. So if we weren't ignoring gravity would it be 10m/s?

How do you arrive at this value?
 

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