Math Problem Statement

A rocket, initially at rest, is fired vertically with an upward acceleration of 10.00 m/s2. At an altitude of 0.582 km, the engine of the rocket cuts off. What is the maximum altitude it achieves?

Report your answer to the nearest meter.

Solution

To determine the maximum altitude achieved by the rocket, we will solve the problem in two phases:

Phase 1: Rocket's motion under engine power

During this phase, the rocket accelerates upward with a constant acceleration of a=10.00m/s2a = 10.00 \, \text{m/s}^2 until the engine cuts off at an altitude of h1=0.582km=582mh_1 = 0.582 \, \text{km} = 582 \, \text{m}.

We can use the following kinematic equation to determine the velocity at the point when the engine cuts off:

v12=v02+2ah1v_1^2 = v_0^2 + 2a h_1

Where:

  • v0=0m/sv_0 = 0 \, \text{m/s} (initial velocity),
  • a=10.00m/s2a = 10.00 \, \text{m/s}^2,
  • h1=582mh_1 = 582 \, \text{m}.

Solving for v1v_1, the velocity at h1h_1.

Phase 2: Rocket's motion after engine cuts off

After the engine cuts off, the rocket continues to move upward under the influence of gravity alone (with an acceleration of a=9.81m/s2a = -9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2) until it reaches its maximum altitude, where its velocity becomes zero.

We will use the following kinematic equation to determine the additional altitude h2h_2 gained after the engine cuts off:

v22=v12+2ah2v_2^2 = v_1^2 + 2a h_2

Where:

  • v2=0m/sv_2 = 0 \, \text{m/s} (velocity at the maximum altitude),
  • a=9.81m/s2a = -9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2,
  • v1v_1 is the velocity at the engine cutoff.

The total maximum altitude hmaxh_{\text{max}} will then be the sum of the altitude at the engine cutoff and the additional altitude gained:

hmax=h1+h2h_{\text{max}} = h_1 + h_2

Let's solve this step by step.The maximum altitude achieved by the rocket is approximately 1,175 meters.

Would you like more details on the steps involved, or do you have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How would the maximum altitude change if the rocket's upward acceleration were 12 m/s²?
  2. What would be the total time of flight until the rocket reaches its maximum altitude?
  3. How high would the rocket go if it had an initial velocity of 20 m/s?
  4. How does the time to reach the maximum altitude differ between the powered and unpowered phases?
  5. What would happen if the rocket encountered air resistance during its ascent?

Tip: When solving kinematic problems, keeping track of units (like converting km to meters) is crucial to avoid mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Motion under Constant Acceleration
Free Fall

Formulas

v² = v₀² + 2aΔh
v² = u² + 2aΔh (second phase with gravity)

Theorems

Equations of Motion
Kinematic Equation for Constant Acceleration

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12