Skip to main content

For a rocket on the ground to change its velocity in an upward direction, what must it do?

According to Newton's first law of motion, an object will continue in its state of motion until and unless an external force is applied to it. This means that an object at rest will remain at rest, while an object in motion will stay in motion until and unless an external force is applied to it.


Similarly, a rocket that is on the ground is at rest (zero speed). To change its velocity in an...

According to Newton's first law of motion, an object will continue in its state of motion until and unless an external force is applied to it. This means that an object at rest will remain at rest, while an object in motion will stay in motion until and unless an external force is applied to it.


Similarly, a rocket that is on the ground is at rest (zero speed). To change its velocity in an upward direction, that is to push it towards the sky, we need to provide it with some force. Earth's gravity constant pulls on everything on Earth and this causes objects to fall down when we let go of them. Similarly, the rocket is also experiencing a pull towards the Earth. To move it in the upward direction, we need to generate enough force (F = m x a) to overcome Earth's attractive force; only then can the rocket accelerate. 


Another way to think about the problem is this: the rocket initially has zero velocity and ultimately has some velocity. This change in velocity over a finite duration is known as acceleration.


Thus, for a rocket on the ground to change its velocity in an upward direction, it must accelerate.


Hope this helps.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is hyperbole in the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry?

The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his... The most obvious use of hyperbole in "The Gift of the Magi" occurs when the narrator describes Della's and Jim's evaluations of their two treasures—her long, luxuriant hair and his gold watch. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him plu
Post a Comment
Read more

How can I analyze Moon and Six Pence by Somerset Maugham?

In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of... In "Moon and Sixpence," loosely based on the life of Paul Gaugin, Maugham presents a study of the tension between the "civilized" life of 19th century Europe, and the lead character's desire to throw off the shackles of bourgeois life. Charles Strickland is a middle-aged English stockbroker with a wife and family. By abandoning his domestic life, Strickland commits what many in European society would consider a gross betrayal of one of the foundations of that society. His decision to e
Post a Comment
Read more

What are some literary devices in Macbeth, Act V, Scene 1?

Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not... Act V, Scene i of Macbeth certainly continues the imagery that is prevalent in the play with its phantasmagoric realm, as in this scene a succession of things are seen or imagined by Lady Macbeth. Imagery - The representation of sensory experience Lady Macbeth imagines that she sees bloody spots (visual imagery) on the stairs; she also smells blood (olfactory imagery): Here's the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh! oh, oh! (5.1.53-55) Hyperbole - Obvious exaggeration  There is also h
Post a Comment
Read more