Question

A rocket weighing 220,000 N is taking off from Earth with a total thrust of 500,000 N at an angle of 20 degrees, as shown in the image below. What is the approximate vertical component of the net force that is moving the rocket away from Earth?A. 400,000 NB. 350,000 NC. 250,000 ND. 300,000 N

Answer 1

`C.250,000N`

Step-by-step explanation

Parameters given:

Weight of rocket, W = 220,000 N

Thrust, F = 500,000N

Angle of thrust, θ = 20°

The vertical forces acting on the rocket are the thrust (acting at an angle) and its weight. This means that the sum of vertical forces is:

`F_y=F\cos \theta-W`

Note: W is negative since it acts opposite the motion of the rocket.

Therefore, we have that the net vertical force (vertical component of forces) is:

`\begin{gathered} F_y=500000\cos 20-220000 \\ F_y=469,846.31-220000 \\ F_y=249,846.31N \\ F_y\approx250,000N \end{gathered}`

The answer is option C.