Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Free-Body Diagram
A free-body diagram is a graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on an object. In the context of the rocket, it helps identify the forces such as thrust, gravitational force, and any other acting forces. By analyzing these forces, one can determine the net force and subsequently the acceleration of the rocket, which is crucial for understanding how to achieve the desired speed without exceeding safe acceleration limits.
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Newton's Second Law of Motion
Newton's Second Law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass, expressed as F = ma. This principle is essential for calculating the maximum thrust the rocket can generate while ensuring that the resulting acceleration does not exceed 4g (where g is the acceleration due to gravity). Understanding this law allows for the determination of the thrust needed to achieve the desired speed safely.
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Acceleration and G-Forces
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object, and it is often expressed in terms of g-forces, where 1g is equivalent to the acceleration due to Earth's gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²). In this scenario, the astronaut can tolerate an acceleration of up to 4g, which translates to a maximum acceleration of about 39.24 m/s². This concept is critical for ensuring that the rocket's thrust does not exceed this limit, preventing the risk of blackout for the astronauts during launch.
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