Average Force on a Rocket During Gas Exhaustion

In summary, the problem asks to calculate the average force exerted on a rocket by the gas it expends in a 1-second interval. Using the equation F= m(delta)v / (delta)t, where F is force, m is mass, delta v is the change in velocity, and delta t is the time interval, the average force is found to be -5.175 x 10^7 N. However, the problem implicitly asks for the magnitude of the force, so the negative sign should be omitted. This formula works by considering the conservation of momentum in the rocket/gas system, where the force exerted on the rocket is equal to the change in momentum of the gas over time.
  • #1
subopolois
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Homework Statement


Rocket engine expends 1150 kg of gas in 1 second, with a velocity of -4.50×10^4 m/s. Calculate the average force exerted on the rocket by the gas during that 1.0 second interval

Homework Equations


F= m(delat)v / (delta)t

The Attempt at a Solution


F= (1150kg)(-45000m/s) / 1 s
-5.175 x 10^7 N
 
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  • #2
I would use a different sign for deltam, but apart from that it is right.
 
  • #3
subopolois said:

Homework Statement


Rocket engine expends 1150 kg of gas in 1 second, with a velocity of -4.50×10^4 m/s. Calculate the average force exerted on the rocket by the gas during that 1.0 second interval

Homework Equations


F= m(delat)v / (delta)t

The Attempt at a Solution


F= (1150kg)(-45000m/s) / 1 s
-5.175 x 10^7 N
Your answer is OK except no - sign. The problem implicitly asks for a magnitude.
But, you should give a bit more detail on why that formula works, starting with conservation of momentum of the rocket/gas system:
force x 1 sec. = change per second in momentum of rocket = - change per second in momentum of the gas
etc.
 

FAQ: Average Force on a Rocket During Gas Exhaustion

What is the definition of average force on a rocket?

The average force on a rocket is the total force exerted on the rocket during its entire flight divided by the time it takes to complete the flight.

How is the average force on a rocket calculated?

The average force on a rocket can be calculated by dividing the change in momentum of the rocket by the time it takes to complete the flight.

What factors affect the average force on a rocket?

The average force on a rocket can be affected by the mass of the rocket, the amount of thrust produced by the rocket's engines, and the external forces acting on the rocket such as air resistance.

Why is it important to calculate the average force on a rocket?

Calculating the average force on a rocket is important because it helps us understand the performance and capabilities of the rocket. It also allows us to make necessary adjustments to improve the rocket's design and efficiency.

How does the average force on a rocket affect its trajectory?

The average force on a rocket plays a crucial role in determining the rocket's trajectory. A higher average force will result in a faster acceleration and a steeper trajectory, while a lower average force will result in a slower acceleration and a more gradual trajectory.

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