Peer reviewed
Direct linkERIC Number: EJ1275712
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Nov
Pages: 2
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-921X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Maximum Momentum and Kinetic Energy of a Rocket
Blanco, Philip
Physics Teacher, v58 n8 p534-535 Nov 2020
A rocket in free space accelerates from rest by continuously expelling fuel; as its speed increases, its mass decreases. At what speed (and remaining mass) does the rocket carry maximum momentum? Maximum kinetic energy? The answers provide insights into the dynamics of variable-mass systems, and have applications to planetary defense that are engaging for students of introductory mechanics.
Descriptors: Physics, Kinetics, Motion, Mechanics (Physics), Introductory Courses, Equations (Mathematics), Energy
American Association of Physics Teachers. One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740. Tel: 301-209-3300; Fax: 301-209-0845; e-mail: pubs@aapt.org; Web site: http://aapt.scitation.org/journal/pte
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
