Space Engineering

Question 1

Propellant

Answer 1

Provides thrust
2KNO3(s) + 3C (s) + S (s) -> N2(g) + 3CO2 (g) + K2S(s)
Black powder -> hot gas

Produces a lot of hot gas leading to pressure in the chamber. Reaction force of gas on rocket provides propulsion

Question 2

Delay charge

Answer 2

To give rocket time to reach max height.

Contains pyrotechnic delay (also a chemical which burns but usually doesn’t provide a lot of gas)

Question 3

Ejection Charge

Answer 3

Pops off the nose cone by producing gas quickly
Releases parachute
Allows for recovery of rocket
Gives engine some time to cool
Falls slowly and safely

Question 4

Q: State the stages of rocket flight

Answer 4

1. Launching
2. Accelerating
3. Coasting phase
4. Max height (apogee)
5. Parachute deploys
6. Terminal velocity
7. Landing

Question 5

Choose the statement that is incorrect in the accelerating phase:

a. ) There is an unbalanced force on the rocket
b. ) Newton’s first law does not apply
c. ) The thrust is greater than the drag
d. ) Newton’s Third Law is operating in this phase

Answer 5

B: all newton’s law ALWAYS apply, especially when first law says “Unless there is an unbalanced force”

Question 6

At maximum height (apogee) which of the following is incorrect:

a. ) The rocket experiences no unbalanced force
b. ) The rocket is accelerating
c. ) The rocket is about to change direction and fall downwards
d. ) The rocket is acted on by gravity

Answer 6

A: It’s ACCELERATING downwards

Question 7

In the acceleration phase, the rocket is propelled by the chemical reaction of the rocket engine. The chemical equation is: 2KNO3 + S + 3C = K2S + N2 + 3CO2

Choose the incorrect statement:

a. ) The propellant works because it creates a large volume of gas
b. ) The hot gases are expelled from the nozzle at high speed
c. ) The reaction force caused by the propellant gases propels the rocket
d. ) The volume of gas in the products is equal to the volume of gas in the reactants

Answer 7

D: there is no gas in reactants

Question 8

In the rocket experiment the energy transformations are:

a. ) Chemical potential energy -> kinetic energy -> gravitational potential energy -> kinetic energy
b. ) kinetic energy -> gravitational potential energy -> kinetic energy
c. ) heat energy -> kinetic energy -> gravitational potential energy -> kinetic energy
d. ) kinetic energy -> height potential energy -> kinetic energy

Answer 8

A