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Grade 12th passMechanics

Apply the principle of the conservation of linear momentum to explain the propulsion of a roket

Profile image of Biplob Mondol
8 Years agoGrade 12th pass
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Profile image of Eshan
8 Years ago
Conservation of linear momentum states that unless an external force is applied on the system, the initial and final momentum of the system remains the same. During a propulsion of rocket, no external force acts on the rocket+gas system. The gas leaving out rocket with high momentum downwards results in rocket attaining large momentum in the opposite direction since

M_{rocket}\vec{v_{rocket}}+m_{gases}\vec{v_{gases}}=0
\implies M_{rocket}\vec{v_{rocket}}=-m_{gases}\vec{v_{gases}}