M5 June 2008 Q4

EdexcelOld spec14 marksImpulse & Momentum

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 \(U\) m s\(^{-1}\) relative to the rocket. The initial mass of the rocket is \(M_0\) kg. At time \(t\) seconds, where \(t \lt 2\), its mass is \(M_0\left(1 - \tfrac{1}{2}t\right)\) kg, and it is moving upwards with speed \(v\) m s\(^{-1}\).

(a) Show that \[\frac{\mathrm{d}v}{\mathrm{d}t} = \frac{U}{(2 - t)} - 9.8.\] (7)
(b) Hence show that \(U \gt 19.6\). (2)
(c) Find, in terms of \(U\), the speed of the rocket one second after its launch. (5)