Physics
Physics
Problem
A 0.25 kg model rocket is coasting horizontally due east at 12 m/s when its engine fires for 0.040 s. During the burn the exhaust produces a constant 30 N force due north, while air resistance exerts 5.0 N due west. Find the rocket’s speed and the direction of its motion (angle measured north of east) immediately after the burn ends.Intuitive explanation
This is a problem about net force and momentum in two dimensions—the key is treating the horizontal and vertical directions independently. The rocket experiences forces in three directions simultaneously, so you'll find the net force in each direction, calculate the acceleration, then use kinematics to find the new velocity components. Once you have both components, the speed and angle follow from basic vector math.
Intuitive explanation
This is a problem about net force and momentum in two dimensions—the key is treating the horizontal and vertical directions independently. The rocket experiences forces in three directions simultaneously, so you'll find the net force in each direction, calculate the acceleration, then use kinematics to find the new velocity components. Once you have both components, the speed and angle follow from basic vector math.