Rocket Engines Flashcards
What is a rocket engine?
A rocket engine is a device that uses propellant to produce thrust in order to propel a vehicle into space.
True or False: Rocket engines operate on the principle of Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
True
Fill in the blank: The two main types of rocket engines are _____ and _____ engines.
liquid, solid
What is the primary advantage of liquid rocket engines?
They can be throttled, restarted, and have adjustable thrust levels.
Which type of rocket engine is typically simpler and has fewer moving parts?
Solid rocket engines
What is specific impulse (Isp) in the context of rocket engines?
Specific impulse is a measure of the efficiency of rocket engines, defined as the thrust produced per unit weight flow of the propellant.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a component of a liquid rocket engine? A) Combustion chamber B) Nozzle C) Fuel tank D) Solar panel
D) Solar panel
What is the role of the nozzle in a rocket engine?
The nozzle accelerates the exhaust gases to produce thrust.
True or False: Rocket engines can only operate in the atmosphere.
False
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the part of the rocket engine where fuel and oxidizer are mixed and burned.
combustion chamber
What are hypergolic propellants?
Hypergolic propellants are fuels and oxidizers that ignite spontaneously upon contact with each other.
Multiple Choice: Which rocket engine uses liquid oxygen and kerosene? A) F-1 B) SRB C) RD-180 D) Kestrel
A) F-1
What is the main disadvantage of solid rocket engines?
They cannot be easily throttled or shut down once ignited.
True or False: Rocket engines can be used for both space launch and maneuvering in space.
True
What does the term ‘thrust-to-weight ratio’ refer to?
Thrust-to-weight ratio is the ratio of the thrust produced by the engine to the weight of the rocket.
Fill in the blank: The _____ engine is known for its use in the Space Shuttle’s main propulsion system.
SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine)
What is the primary function of a rocket’s avionics system?
To control and navigate the rocket during flight.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a type of solid rocket motor? A) Monomethylhydrazine B) HTPB C) Liquid Oxygen D) Kerosene
B) HTPB
What is the purpose of a rocket’s guidance system?
To ensure the rocket follows the intended flight path.
True or False: A bipropellant rocket engine uses one type of propellant.
False
What is a common oxidizer used in liquid rocket engines?
Liquid oxygen (LOX)
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a measure of a rocket engine’s performance based on how effectively it converts propellant into thrust.
efficiency
Multiple Choice: What is the main advantage of using liquid hydrogen as a rocket fuel? A) High density B) High energy content C) Low cost D) Easy storage
B) High energy content
What is the purpose of a thrust chamber in a rocket engine?
To contain the combustion process and direct the flow of exhaust gases.
