In: Physics
Some time, delta T, after a rocket blasts off from the surface of earth, it is travelling at a constant speed, and its instantaneous mass(including fuel) is M+20,000kg. The gas ejected out the back of the rocket is moving at a relative velocity of 1,200 m/s (downward), with respect to the rocket. You may assume that the rocket is still very close to the surface of the earth, and that air resistance is negligible. A) What is the rate of fuel consumption at this moment in time? (What rate is the rocket losing mass?) I know the answer is -163kg/s I just dont understand how they got that answer. Thanks!