- #1
adamg
- 48
- 0
Could anyone please help me with the following question? A rocket rises steadily upwards at a constant speed of 500 metres per second. Its initial mass is 5 x 10^4 kg; after 10 mins, this has decreased to 4.4 x 10^4 kg. Calculate the average force acting on the rocket during this time. This force does work on the rocket. Explain how this changes the rocket's energy.
I am confused because a changing momentum means an unbalanced force is acting down, yet the rocket has constant velocity so surely the forces acting on the rocket are balanced? Hope someone can help, thank you. *adam*
I am confused because a changing momentum means an unbalanced force is acting down, yet the rocket has constant velocity so surely the forces acting on the rocket are balanced? Hope someone can help, thank you. *adam*