How much work must be done on a 2000kg rocket in order for it to reach an altitude of 500km?

1 Answer
SCooke
Apr 9, 2017

#9.807 x 10^6 kJ#

Explanation:

We’re essentially looking at the energy input required to equal a potential energy at 500km height. Or the “acceleration” term must be equal to the gravitational acceleration in this problem #(9.80665 m/s^2)#.
The SI unit of work is the joule (J), dimensionally: #1 kg*m^2/s^2#.
Work = Force x Distance ; Force = mass x acceleration

Work = Mass x Acceleration x Distance

Work = #2000kg * 9.80665 m/s^2 * 500000m#
= #9.807 x 10^9# Joules, or #9.807 x 10^6 kJ#

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