If the average thrust of a rocket motor is 100 Newtons and the burn time is 4 seconds, what is the total impulse?

If the average thrust of a rocket motor is 100 Newtons and the burn time is 4 seconds, what is the total impulse?

• A. 400 Newton-seconds
• B. 250 Newton-seconds
• C. 300 Newton-seconds
• D. 350 Newton-seconds

Answer: (A)

To calculate total impulse, you multiply the average thrust of the rocket motor by the burn time. In this case, the average thrust is 100 Newtons, and the burn time is 4 seconds. The formula for total impulse (I) is: \[ I = \text{thrust} \times \text{burn time} \] Plugging in the values: \[ I = 100 \, \text{N} \times 4 \, \text{s} = 400 \, \text{N-s} \] Total impulse is expressed in Newton-seconds (N-s), which reflects the momentum imparted by the rocket motor during its burn period. In this scenario, the correct calculation results in a total impulse of 400 Newton-seconds, aligning with the first choice. Understanding this relationship is crucial in rocketry, as total impulse is a key factor in determining the performance and capability of a rocket.

To calculate total impulse, you multiply the average thrust of the rocket motor by the burn time. In this case, the average thrust is 100 Newtons, and the burn time is 4 seconds.

The formula for total impulse (I) is:

[ I = \text{thrust} \times \text{burn time} ]

Plugging in the values:

[ I = 100 , \text{N} \times 4 , \text{s} = 400 , \text{N-s} ]

Total impulse is expressed in Newton-seconds (N-s), which reflects the momentum imparted by the rocket motor during its burn period. In this scenario, the correct calculation results in a total impulse of 400 Newton-seconds, aligning with the first choice. Understanding this relationship is crucial in rocketry, as total impulse is a key factor in determining the performance and capability of a rocket.