PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A rocket sled of mass 500kg rests on a straight, frictionless track. It undergoes the following sequence of events:
• Stage I: A booster produces a constant thrust directed along the track for 4.0s, after which it shuts off.
• Stage II: Immediately afterward, a retrorocket fires in the opposite direction with a constant force of half the magnitude of the booster's thrust for 2.0s.
At the end of Stage II, the sled's engines are silent.
(a) If the thrust in Stage I equals 2.0×103N, calculate the impulse delivered during Stage I.
(b) Compute the impulse delivered during Stage II.
(c) Determine the net impulse acting on the sled over the entire 6.0s interval.
(d) Find the final velocity of the sled at the end of Stage II.