A rocket burns fuel at the rate of 3000 kg each second. The exhaust gases have a speed, relative to the rocket, of 2200 m s–1.
a) Calculate the rate of change of momentum of the exhaust gases.
b) The mass of the rocket is 500 000 kg. Calculate the acceleration while the fuel is being burned. Assume that no other forces act on the rocket.
c) Suggest why the acceleration of the rocket increases as more fuel is burned.
