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GB89
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Homework Statement
I need to find the final velocity of a multistage rocket (accelerating from rest in free space) that burns its fuel in two stages. In the first stage, it burns 3/10 of its initial mass as fuel. Then it jettisons its first-stage fuel tank, which has a mass of 1/10 the initial mass of the rocket. Then, it burns 3/10 of its initial mass as fuel.
Homework Equations
I think that the equation is:
Final Velocity = V(exhaust) times ln(m0/m) + V(exhaust) times ln(m0/m).
The Attempt at a Solution
Is the m0 in the second part of the equation 6/10 initial mass, or 9/10 initial mass (does the fuel burned in the first stage get subtracted too)?
I think the answer is V(exhaust) times ln(1/.7) + V(exhaust) times ln(.6/.3), giving a final answer of 1.0498 times the exhaust velocity. Is this correct?
EDIT: PLEASE DISREGARD. I just noticed that this question was answered in a "Similar Thread." My appologies.
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