206k views
1 vote
A rocket accelerates straight up from rest with a constant acceleration of 400m/s². How long will it take the rocket to reach an altitude of 20,000 meters? This problem can be represented using the following equation. (1/2)400t²=20,000

a. 20 seconds
b. 10 seconds
c. 12 seconds
d. 7 seconds

User Djanowski
by
7.9k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

To find the time it takes for a rocket with constant acceleration to reach a certain altitude, the kinematic equation s = ut + (1/2)at² is used. After substituting known values into the equation, the time is calculated to be 10 seconds, which is answer (b). Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question is Physics, specifically concerning kinematics and the equations of motion for an object with constant acceleration. The problem describes a rocket accelerating upwards with a constant acceleration. To determine how long it will take the rocket to reach an altitude of 20,000 meters, we use the kinematic equation:

s = ut + (1/2)at²

Where:

s is the distance traveled (20,000 meters)

u is the initial velocity (0 m/s since the rocket starts from rest)

a is the acceleration (400 m/s²)

t is the time which we aim to find

Substituting the known values into the equation gives us:

(1/2) × 400² × t² = 20,000

200² × t² = 20,000

t² = 20,000 / 200

t² = 100

t = √100

t = 10 seconds

The correct answer is (b) 10 seconds.

User Anastazy
by
7.8k points