Edexcel M5 2008 June — Question 4

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM5 (Mechanics 5)
Year2008
SessionJune
TopicVariable Force

4. At time \(t = 0\) a rocket is launched from rest vertically upwards. The rocket propels itself upwards by expelling burnt fuel vertically downwards with constant speed \(U \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) relative to the rocket. The initial mass of the rocket is \(M _ { 0 } \mathrm {~kg}\). At time \(t\) seconds, where \(t < 2\), its mass is \(M _ { 0 } \left( 1 - \frac { 1 } { 2 } t \right) \mathrm { kg }\), and it is moving upwards with speed \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
  1. Show that $$\frac { \mathrm { d } v } { \mathrm {~d} t } = \frac { U } { ( 2 - t ) } - 9.8 .$$
  2. Hence show that \(U > 19.6\).
  3. Find, in terms of \(U\), the speed of the rocket one second after its launch.