I'm comparing the "g-force" of a rocket and a race car. My answer for the race car corresponds to the answer in the book but my answer for the rocket is off by 1. The book says I need to add 1 G because the rocket is going upward. So, instead of my answer of .87 G, the correct answer is 1.87 G. Why do I need to add the 1 G because of upward motion. I'm stuck. Please help.

Answer 1

Because the force needed to support you during your upward acceleration INCLUDES your weight.

If you were stahding on a scale and the rocket were accelerating at 0.87g, you weight would be 1.87 times your "real" weight.

Answer 2

Thanks. This explanation really helps me.