I am reviewing for a test and I don't know how to attempt this question. Could someone please work through this problem and then have the general steps that I need to take to solve the question? Here is the question: A rocket expels gases at a rate of 1.30 x 10^3 kg/s with...
To solve this question, let's break it down into steps:
Step 1: Identify the given information
The question provides the following data:
- Rocket's rate of gas expulsion: 1.30 x 10^3 kg/s (kilograms per second)
- Velocity of the rocket: 2.40 x 10^3 m/s (meters per second)
- Mass of the rocket (initial): 1.60 x 10^4 kg (kilograms)
- Time elapsed: 8.00 s (seconds)
Step 2: Determine what you need to find
The question asks for the change in momentum of the rocket.
Step 3: Recall the formula for momentum
Momentum (p) is defined as the product of an object's mass (m) and its velocity (v). It can be calculated using the formula: p = mv.
Step 4: Calculate momentum at the initial moment (before expulsion)
Using the formula from step 3, calculate the momentum at the initial moment by multiplying the mass of the rocket (1.60 x 10^4 kg) by its velocity (2.40 x 10^3 m/s).
Step 5: Calculate momentum after the gas expulsion
To find the momentum after the gas expulsion, use the formula from step 3, but only take into account the rocket's mass at that point, which is the initial mass (1.60 x 10^4 kg) minus the expelled mass (1.30 x 10^3 kg/s × 8.00 s).
Step 6: Calculate the change in momentum
Subtract the momentum at the initial moment (step 4) from the momentum after the gas expulsion (step 5) to find the change in momentum.
By following these general steps, you should be able to solve the given question. Remember to double-check your calculations and units to ensure accurate results.