The rocket launch and changing gravity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of rocket launches, specifically focusing on the effects of Earth's rotation, escape velocity, and changing gravitational forces as a rocket ascends. Participants explore the energy required for a rocket to reach escape velocity and the implications of varying mass and gravity during the launch process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial velocity imparted by Earth's rotation and its impact on the required boost for achieving orbit. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of energy calculations when neglecting factors like changing mass due to fuel consumption and the effects of decreasing gravitational force as altitude increases.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants questioning the validity of their approaches and the assumptions made regarding mass and gravity. Some guidance is offered about averaging gravitational effects, but no consensus has been reached on the best method to calculate the energy needed for the rocket.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the gravitational acceleration changes with altitude, and there is a distinction between mass and weight in their calculations. The discussion includes references to specific equations and the need for accurate values at different heights, but no definitive solutions are provided.

marco12345a
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When a rocket is launched, it starts not with velocity zero, but with the rotation velocity which the Earth gives it. Thus if a rocket is launched eastward, it requires a smaller boost (and if westward, a larger one) to achieve orbit. with a latitude of 31.1 degrees, cos(31degrees) 24902/24 = 393.11 ms/s

To escape velocity on Earth = (2G Mearth / r earth) = 11200ms-1
So the total velocity that needed for the rocket = 11200 - 393.11= 10806.99ms-1

I am trying to find the total energy that is needed for the rocket of 1000kg to escape velocity

i used the question
m = 1000 x 9.8 N

E= 1/2 m^2
= 5.84 X 10^10 J

my question is : as the further you are away from earth, there will be less gravity. So if i use that equation, would that be accurate assume there is no air friction and the mass of the rocket doesn't change due to the loss of fuel
 
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That would be close enough! But the problem is that the accuracy falls as u go on neglecting decreasing mass due to consumption of fuel.
 
should i use the equation of E= 1/2 m^2 ?
 
marco12345a said:
should i use the equation of E= 1/2 m^2 ?

If u r calculating energy, then of course it'll do. note that, E=1/2mv^2=GMm/r
 
but doesn't the changing gravity affect the m ?
 
marco12345a said:
but doesn't the changing gravity affect the m ?

Yes but if u really want to solve it u will have to take an average of that.
 
marco12345a said:
but doesn't the changing gravity affect the m ?

more than that...changing mass is a prob.
 
for example if a rocket is 1000 kg on Earth , what would the gravity be when it is at 300m
 
marco12345a said:
for example if a rocket is 1000 kg on Earth , what would the gravity be when it is at 300m
If u r dealing with mass, it would be 1000Kg itself. if u r dealing about wight, itll bcom
W=mg
=1000*g
g= gravitational acceleration at 300mts
u manipulate it...
g=w/m
=w/1000
ul have to know its weight there.
 
  • #10
how do you find the changing gravity ?
 
  • #11
  • #12
the gravity doesn't change preferentially at 300mts
observ: g=9.806 in 0mts
g=9.803at 1000mts

ok bye..
 
  • #13
okay thank you very much
 

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