Question

Once ignited, a small rocket motor on a spacecraft exerts a constant force of 10 N for 7.80 s. During the burn the rocket causes the 100-kg craft to accelerate uniformly. Determine that acceleration

Answer 1

We can determine the acceleration of the rocket from the Newton's Second Law of Motion:

$$F=ma,$$ $$a=\dfrac{F}{m} = \dfrac{10 \ N}{100 \ kg} = 0.1 \ \dfrac{m}{s^2}.$$

Answer:

$a=0.1 \ \dfrac{m}{s^2}.$