Chapter 4: Problem 124
Liftoff from Earth \(\quad\) A rocket lifts off the surface of Earth with a constant acceleration of \(20 \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{sec}^{2} .\) How fast will the rocket be going 1 min later?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The rocket will be going 1200 m/s after 1 minute.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Given Values and Required Output
The rocket's acceleration is given as \( a = 20 \text{ m/s}^2 \). The time duration for which the rocket accelerates is \( t = 1 \text{ min} = 60 \text{ sec} \). We are required to find the final velocity \( v_f \) of the rocket after 60 seconds.
02
Understand the Relevant Equation
The equation that relates initial velocity, acceleration, and time to the final velocity is \( v_f = v_i + a \cdot t \), where \( v_i \) is the initial velocity, \( a \) is the acceleration, and \( t \) is time.
03
Initial Conditions
Since the rocket lifts off from rest, the initial velocity \( v_i \) is \( 0 \text{ m/s} \).
04
Plug in the Values to Calculate Final Velocity
Substitute \( v_i = 0 \text{ m/s} \), \( a = 20 \text{ m/s}^2 \), and \( t = 60 \text{ sec} \) into the equation \( v_f = v_i + a \cdot t \). Hence, \( v_f = 0 + 20 \times 60 \).
05
Compute the Final Velocity
Calculate \( v_f = 20 \times 60 = 1200 \text{ m/s} \). This is the final velocity of the rocket after 1 minute.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Constant Acceleration
Acceleration is a key concept in kinematics, especially when studying the motion of rockets. When an object accelerates at a constant rate, it means its speed increases by the same amount every second.
For a rocket lifting off, this implies that every second, the rocket's speed will increase by the amount of its constant acceleration. How does this work? Let's ponder a little. Constant acceleration means no sways or drops in its value over time.
For a rocket lifting off, this implies that every second, the rocket's speed will increase by the amount of its constant acceleration. How does this work? Let's ponder a little. Constant acceleration means no sways or drops in its value over time.
- In our example, the constant acceleration is given as 20 m/s².
- This means that every second, the speed increases by 20 meters per second.
- Consistency in acceleration is crucial in achieving a steady increase in velocity when a rocket launches.
Final Velocity Calculation
To calculate the final velocity when dealing with constant acceleration, we use a specific formula. The goal is to discover how fast the object, like our rocket, is moving after a given time. The formula to find final velocity (\( v_f \)) is:\[v_f = v_i + a \cdot t\]Where:
- \( v_f \) is the final velocity.
- \( v_i \) is the initial velocity.
- \( a \) is the acceleration (in m/s²).
- \( t \) is time (in seconds).
- Initial velocity \( v_i \) is 0 m/s (as the rocket starts from rest).
- Acceleration \( a \) is 20 m/s².
- Time \( t \) is converted from 1 minute to 60 seconds.
Rockets
Rockets are fascinating due to their powerful propulsion systems and ability to conquer gravity. They rely on a fundamental principle of physics: Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
This principle is exemplified in the way a rocket lifts off, overcoming Earth's gravitational pull through propulsion. Here are key aspects to consider about rockets:
This principle is exemplified in the way a rocket lifts off, overcoming Earth's gravitational pull through propulsion. Here are key aspects to consider about rockets:
- Propulsion: Combustion of fuel creates high-pressure gases expelled downward, pushing the rocket upward.
- Acceleration: Once a rocket starts, it often accelerates at a constant rate to reach optimal velocities needed for its journey.
- Launch Phases: Rockets often operate in stages, discarding parts to become lighter and maintain successful propulsion as they ascend.