forces physics unit

Question

On Monday, NASA launched a 550 kg satellite into space. Its engines have a thrust of 8000 N. (7 marks)

a) What is the downward force of gravity acting on the rocket at blast-off?

b) What is the acceleration of the rocket at blast-off? (Hint: Find Fnet first.)

c) What is the rocket’s velocity 20 s after blast-off?

d) How far had the rocket travelled in this time?

Answer 1

Hello!

a.) This question is just asking about the force of gravity on the spaceship. Does the force of gravity change when the thrusters are on or off?

b.) Use the hint. Find the net sum of forces. Drawing a picture may help! Then, recall Newton's second law: F = ma.

c.) Acceleration is the change in velocity over time. If force is constant, then acceleration is constant, so what should the velocity be?

d.) If this is an algebra-based physics class, recall your kinematic equations. You will have solved for all the inputs at this point.

Feel free to message me with any follow-up questions!

-Cole