Hi,

Question

Can anyone offer any advice on solving the following,

motion of two stage rocket is stated by it height y in metres above the ground since t seconds since launch.

Flies vertically Ist stage burns for 5 seconds and cuts out. 2nd stage rocket is under gravity alone.

modelled by the equations

Stage 1 height y = 10t2

time 0< t <5

stage 2 height y = -5t2 + 150t - 375

time t >5

Can anyone offer some help... I need to work out speed velocity etc,

Thank you

Answer 1

during the first 5 seconds the height is given by 10 t^2
So it reaches an altitude of 10(25) = 250 meters before dropping the first stage.
At that time, 5 seconds, the velocity is given by dy/dt = 20 t = 100 m/s

Then stage two continues. It shows no sign of being a rocket since it seems to be operating only under gravity with an initial height of 250 meters at t = 5 and an initial velocity of 100 m/s at t = 5
Its velocity is determined by
dy/dt = -10 t + 150
at the maximum height, that velocity will be zero
0 = -10 t + 150
or t = 15 seconds at peak
then the max height will be
y = -5 (225) + 150 (15) - 375
y = -1125+2250-375
y = 750 meters at peak.
Then when will it hit the ground?
0 = -5 t^2 + 150 t -375
t^2 -30 t + 75 = 0
t=(1/2) [30 +/-sqrt(900-300)]
t = (1/2)[30 +/- 24.5]
Well, the minus sign will not do because the thing is still headed with stage 1 up so use the + sign
t = (1/2)(54.5) = 27.25 seconds to crash

Answer 2

If you mean
y = 10t^2 for 0<t<5 s and
y = -5t^2 +150 t -375 for t>5 (until t = 25 s, when y = 0), then
the velocity (and speed) are
20 t for t<5 and
-10t + 150 for 5<t<25

The acceleration is 20 during t<5s and -10 during 5<t<25s

My answers were obtained by differentiation. I assume you are studying calculus.

Answer 3

Thank you for your help

Answer 4

My statement that y=0 at t=25 s is incorrect. Damon derived the correct value

Answer 5

Thank you ..

Answer 6

Thank you have a good weekend !!