Thrust separate from acceleration?

In summary, a model rocket launched vertically from rest with a constant thrust force F up for t seconds. The rocket reaches a height of .5Ft^2 and a vertical velocity of F. However, acceleration is not the same as thrust and is affected by gravity. The equation F=ma involves the total force and the answer should be expressed in terms of the rocket's mass.
  • #1
bd2015
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Homework Statement


A model rocket blasts off vertically from rest at time t=0 being pushed by an engine that produces a constant thrust force F up. The engine blasts away for t seconds and then stops. Find the height y and vertical velocity that the rocket has reached by the end of the blast time t.


Homework Equations


f=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


a = F
y(t) = .5Ft^2

Is acceleration really the same as the thrust, or is acceleration the thrust - the effect of gravity?
 
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  • #2
Thrust is the force pushing the rocket up. mg is the gravitational force pulling the rocket down. Both forces are acting on the rocket while the engine is on. The 'F' in F=ma is the total force. So no, F is not the same as acceleration. You'll need to express the answer in terms of the mass 'm' of the rocket.
 

FAQ: Thrust separate from acceleration?

1. What is the difference between thrust and acceleration?

Thrust is the force generated by an object in motion, while acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity. In other words, thrust is the force that propels an object forward, while acceleration is the change in the object's speed or direction.

2. Can an object have thrust without acceleration?

Yes, it is possible for an object to have thrust without acceleration. This can happen when an object is moving at a constant velocity, meaning that its speed and direction are not changing. In this case, the object has thrust but no acceleration because there is no change in its velocity.

3. How is thrust related to mass and acceleration?

According to Newton's second law of motion, the amount of thrust generated by an object is directly proportional to its mass and the acceleration it experiences. This means that the greater the mass of an object, the more thrust it needs to accelerate at a given rate.

4. Can an object have acceleration without thrust?

Yes, an object can have acceleration without thrust. This can happen when an external force, such as gravity or friction, is acting on the object and causing it to accelerate. In this case, the object is experiencing acceleration, but there is no thrust involved.

5. How does thrust affect an object's velocity?

Thrust has a direct impact on an object's velocity. The greater the amount of thrust, the greater the acceleration and therefore the faster the object's velocity will change. However, other factors such as air resistance and friction can also affect an object's velocity.

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