A rocket of total mass M and with burnout mass 0.15 M attains a speed of 3,300 m/s after starting from rest in deep space.What is the exhaust velocity of the rocket?
A) 495 m/s
B) 11,000 m/s
C) 22,000 m/s
D) 11,100 m/s
E) 10,000 m/s

Question

A rocket of total mass M and with burnout mass 0.15 M attains a speed of 3,300 m/s after starting from rest in deep space.What is the exhaust velocity of the rocket?
A) 495 m/s
B) 11,000 m/s
C) 22,000 m/s
D) 11,100 m/s
E) ​10,000 m/s

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rocket equation (Tsiolkovsky rocket equation) is used: Δv = ve * ln(Mi/Mf). Here, Δv = 3,300 m/s, Mi = M, Mf = 0.15M. Solving for ve gives ve = Δv / ln(Mi/Mf) = 3,300 / ln(1/0.15) = 11,000 m/s.

A Rocket of Total Mass M and with Burnout Mass