Final answer:
A rocket's position from Earth's center can be given as a displacement vector in a coordinate system with Earth's center as the origin. This simplification assumes Earth's radius to be 6370 km, and the rocket's position is further defined by its altitude above Earth's surface and the forces like gravity acting on it.
Step-by-step explanation:
A better expression for a rocket's position measured from the center of the Earth is given by the vector that represents the rocket's displacement from Earth's center, taken as the origin of a coordinate system. We typically assume a two-dimensional plane for the orbit with Earth's radius as 6370 km, which simplifies the rocket's position to a vector with a length equal to the Earth's radius plus the altitude of the rocket above the surface.
To precisely describe the motion of an object like a rocket, it is essential to specify its position relative to a convenient reference frame. For a rocket, the reference frame is usually Earth, and positions are given in relation to fixed points on or around the Earth.
When considering the rocket's position from the planet's center, one can describe it using a coordinate system where the y-axis points north and the x-axis points east, with vectors indicating displacement from the origin.
The rocket's position is also influenced by the forces acting on it, such as gravity. During its ascent, the rocket must overcome Earth's gravitational pull. Understanding the effects of gravity and thrust on the rocket's position and velocity is crucial for accurately describing its motion.