How do you determine the thrust on the rocket?

Newton�s Second Law states:

.��������������������� (Equation #1)

The net force () is the sum of all of the individual forces that act on an object.� In this simulation, only three possible forces act on the rocket:� the thrust force (i.e., ), the electric force (i.e., ) and the weight force (i.e., ).� Hence, in this simulation:

,���������������� (Equation #2)

, after solving for the thrust force:

.��������������� (Equation #3)

Notice that the Second Law is an equation that involves vectors.� Any vector equation is shorthand for a set of equations written in terms of the components of the vectors.� In this case, Newton�s Second Law (equation #1 above) can be expressed as two equations:

and

Similarly, vector equation #3 above can be expressed as two equations:

���������������������� (Equation #4)

and

.��������������������� (Equation #5)

The mass of the rocket as well as the two components of the electric and weight forces are given in problem statement.� Hence, to determine the two components of the thrust force, first determine the two components acceleration, then use equations #4 and #5.�

Be aware that in some problems, the electric and/or weight forces may be zero.�