Rocket acceleration/time problem?

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In summary, a 200kg weather rocket loaded with 100kg of fuel is fired straight up and accelerates upward at 34m/s^2 for 32s before running out of fuel. The question asks for the total time the rocket is in the air, which can be calculated by finding the distance it travels after running out of fuel and using the equation d=h+1/2at^2 to find the total time in the air. The rocket's average velocity is 78km, but it is unclear if this is relevant to the problem.
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patton_223
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Homework Statement



A 200kg weather rocket is loaded with 100kg of fuel and fired straight up. It accelerates upward at 34m/s^2 for 32s , then runs out of fuel. Ignore any air resistance effects.

how long is the rocket in the air?

Homework Equations


d=Vit +1/2at^2
Vf=Vi + at
V=d/t?
and possibly Vf^2=vi^2 +2ad


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so i calculated the rockets average velocity which is 78km (i have to use 2 sig figs), don't know if that's revenant though.

Also is the weights even a part of the problem? or is it a trick?

I figured out that this problem has 2 parts, the part where its accelerating and the one where the fuel runs out but its still going upward.

from the question it says 32s (which is for the first part) so do i have to find the distance for the 2nd part and just add them? some help would be very welcome :)
 
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  • #2
Calculate how far up it'll be once it runs out of fuel then use d=h +1/2at^2 (h being the height)
 

Related to Rocket acceleration/time problem?

1. How is acceleration calculated for a rocket?

Acceleration for a rocket is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. This can be represented by the formula a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

2. How can the time it takes for a rocket to reach a certain velocity be determined?

The time it takes for a rocket to reach a certain velocity can be determined by rearranging the acceleration formula a = (vf - vi) / t to solve for time (t = (vf - vi) / a). Plug in the known values for final velocity and acceleration to find the time.

3. Is the acceleration of a rocket constant?

No, the acceleration of a rocket is not constant. It changes throughout the flight as the rocket's mass decreases due to fuel consumption and air resistance increases.

4. How does gravity affect a rocket's acceleration?

Gravity affects a rocket's acceleration by pulling it downwards, causing it to accelerate towards the Earth. This acceleration due to gravity is typically accounted for in calculations by using the value of 9.8 m/s^2.

5. What factors can impact the acceleration of a rocket?

The acceleration of a rocket can be impacted by several factors, including the amount of thrust produced by the rocket, the amount of fuel and mass of the rocket, air resistance, and the force of gravity. External factors such as wind and weather conditions can also affect the acceleration of a rocket.

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