Question

The Rocket Club is planning to launch a pair of model rockets. To build the rocket, the club needs a rocket body paired with an engine. The table lists the mass of three possible rocket bodies and the force generated by three possible engines.


Based on Newton’s laws of motion, which combination of rocket bodies and engines will result in the acceleration of 40 m/s2 at the start of the launch?

Body 3 + Engine 1
Body 2 + Engine 2
Body 1 + Engine 2
Body 1 + Engine 1

Answer 1

To calculate the acceleration of each combination, we need to use the formula:

Acceleration = Force / Mass

Let's calculate the acceleration for each combination:

1. Body 3 + Engine 1
Acceleration = 60 N / 3 kg = 20 m/s^2

2. Body 2 + Engine 2
Acceleration = 80 N / 2 kg = 40 m/s^2

3. Body 1 + Engine 2
Acceleration = 80 N / 1 kg = 80 m/s^2

4. Body 1 + Engine 1
Acceleration = 60 N / 1 kg = 60 m/s^2

Therefore, the combination that will result in an acceleration of 40 m/s^2 at the start of the launch is Body 2 with Engine 2.