A rocket with an initial mass of m0 accelerates from rest in free space. As it speeds up, the rocket’s momentum p increases at first. However, as the rocket’s mass m continues to decrease, eventually p also begins to decrease (although the rocket’s speed keeps increasing). For what value of m is p a maximum? (Assume a constant exhaust speed and, if you need to, a constant mass loss rate.)

Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student Edition
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Author:Paul W. Zitzewitz
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Chapter11: Energy And Its Conservation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 44A
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A rocket with an initial mass of m0 accelerates from rest in free space. As
it speeds up, the rocket’s momentum p increases at first. However, as the rocket’s mass m
continues to decrease, eventually p also begins to decrease (although the rocket’s speed keeps
increasing). For what value of m is p a maximum? (Assume a constant exhaust speed and,
if you need to, a constant mass loss rate.)

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