The rocket is motionless on the launchpad. At time $t = 0$, the engines are ignited and exhaust gases are expelled from the engine nozzles. The rocket then moves upward with acceleration. Fig. 1.1 plots how the rocket’s acceleration changes from time $t = 0$ to time $t = t_f$.
(a)[1]
Define what acceleration is.
(b)[3]
On Fig. 1.2, sketch a graph to show how the rocket’s speed changes from time $t = 0$ to time $t = t_f$.
(c(i))[2]
State what the principle of the conservation of momentum says.
(c(ii))[2]
Explain how the conservation of momentum applies to the rocket as it accelerates and to the exhaust gases.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Rate of change of velocity per unit time” …