Air is flowing through a rocket nozzle. Inside the rocket the air has a density of 5.25 kg/m³ and a speed of 1.20 m/s. The interior diameter of the rocket is 15.0 cm. At the nozzle exit, the diameter is 2.50 cm and the density is 1.29 kg/m³. What is the speed of the air when it leaves the nozzle? A) 176 m/s B) 29.3 m/s C) 88.0 m/s D) 35.2 m/s E) 343 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the principle of conservation of mass (continuity equation), the speed of the air at the nozzle exit can be calculated. The mass flow rate inside the rocket equals the mass flow rate at the nozzle exit. Solving for the exit speed gives approximately 176 m/s.

Air Is Flowing Through a Rocket Nozzle