What maximum altitude does the rocket reach

In summary, a rocket rises vertically with an acceleration of 3.2 m/s until it runs out of fuel at an altitude of 1200 m. After this point, its acceleration is that of gravity, downward. The velocity when it runs out of fuel is approximately 87.636 m/s and it takes 27.386 seconds to reach this point. The maximum altitude the rocket reaches is approximately 1591.837 m and it takes 36.382 seconds to reach this altitude. The velocity at which it reaches the earth is approximately 176.635 m/s and the total time it is in the air is approximately 54.406 seconds. These calculations assume
  • #1
bard
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A rocket rises vertically, from rest with an acceleration of 3.2 m/s until it runs out of fuel at an altitude of 1200 m. After this point, its acceleration is that of gravity, downward. (a) what is the velocity when it runs out of fuel.(b) How long does it take to reach this point. (c) what maximum altitude does the rocket reach.(d) how much time does it take to reach maximum altitude. (e) With what velocity does it reach the earth. How long (total) is it in the air

Thank You for you help
 
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  • #2
this is my first post on this forum, so hello everyone :smile:

i take it you mean that the acceleration is constant until the fuel is burnt out.

assuming accleration is constant, we know that up to the point of fuel burn out:

initial velocity u = 0m/s
acceleration a = 3.2m/s
displacement d = 1200m

start by answering part (b):

since acceleration is constant we can apply the equation:

d = ut + 1/2at^2

where t = time taken to reach 1200m. substitute the above values into give an equation in t:

1200 = 0t + 1/2(3.2)t^2
1200 = 1.6t^2

rearange to get t:

t = √1200/1.6)
t = √750
t ≈ 27.386s

now do part (a):

a is constant so we can use:

v = u + at

where v is the velocity at 1200m. substitute in above values:

v = 0 + 3.2√750
v ≈ 87.636m/s

part (c)

consider the flight of the rocket after it runs out of fuel. we know:

acceleration a ≈ -9.8m/s/s
initial velocity u = 3.2√750m/s
velocity at maximum altitude v= 0m/s

constant acceleration (assuming no air resistance) so use:

v^2 = u^2 + 2ad

where d is the displacement of the rocket after it runs out of fuel. substitute in values and solve for d:

0^2 = (3.2√750)^2 + 2(-9.8)d
d = (0 - (3.2√750)^2)/2(-9.8)
d = (-(3.2√750)^2)/-19.6
d = (-10.24(750))/-19.6
d ≈ 391.837m

add this displacement to the altitude of the rocket when its fuel ran out:

maximum altitude = 1200 + 391.837 = 1591.837m

part (d)

consider the flight of the rocket after it runs out of fuel. we know:

a ≈ -9.8m/s/s
u = 3.2√750m/s
v = 0m/s

use equation:

v = u + at

0 = 3.2√750 + (-9.8)t
t = (-3.2√750)/-9.8
t ≈ 8.942s

add this to the time taken to run out of fuel:

time taken to reach max altitude = 27.386 + 8.492 = 36.382s

part (e)

u = 0m/s
a ≈ 9.8m/s/s
d = 1591.837m
v = velocity at 0 altitude.

v^2 = u^2 + 2ad
v = √(u^2 + 2ad)
v = √31200.005
v ≈ 176.635m/s

total time in the air = 36.382 + 176.635/9.8 ≈ 54.406s

all of these calculations assume constant acceleration and zero air resistance.
 

1. What is the maximum altitude that a rocket can reach?

The maximum altitude that a rocket can reach depends on various factors such as the type and size of the rocket, the amount of fuel and its combustion efficiency, and the atmospheric conditions during the launch. Generally, rockets can reach altitudes of hundreds of kilometers above Earth's surface.

2. How does the maximum altitude of a rocket compare to the height of the International Space Station?

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits at an altitude of about 400 kilometers above Earth's surface. While some rockets can reach similar altitudes, others can go much higher, with some reaching altitudes of over 1,000 kilometers.

3. Can a rocket reach altitudes higher than Earth's atmosphere?

Yes, rockets can reach altitudes higher than Earth's atmosphere. In fact, in order to reach orbit, a rocket needs to reach an altitude of at least 100 kilometers, which is known as the Kármán line and marks the boundary of space.

4. What is the highest altitude that a rocket has ever reached?

The highest altitude that a rocket has ever reached was achieved by NASA's Juno spacecraft, which reached an altitude of over 8,000 kilometers above Jupiter's clouds in 2016. However, this is not a typical altitude for rockets as most are designed to reach altitudes of a few hundred kilometers.

5. How is the maximum altitude of a rocket calculated or determined?

The maximum altitude of a rocket is calculated using mathematical equations that take into account the rocket's mass, thrust, and the forces acting upon it during the launch. Engineers also use computer simulations and real-time data from the rocket's sensors to accurately determine its maximum altitude.

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