Question

During the first 5 seconds of a rocket launch, the momentum of the rocket increased by 10,000 kg m/s. What was the impulse applied to the rocket during this time?

Answer 1

Answer:

10,000 kg m/s

Explanation:

The impulse exerted on an object is equal to the change in momentum of the object itself:

$I=F \Delta t = \Delta p$

where

I is the impulse

F is the force applied

$\Delta t$ is the time during which the force has been applied

$\Delta p$ is the change in momentum

In this problem, we are already given the change in momentum of the rocket: since the rocket starts from rest, its change in momentum is equal to its momentum after 5 seconds,

$\Delta p = 10,000 kg m/s$

and so, the impulse is equal to this value.