Difference between revisions of "Rocket"
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[[Image: R7_Rocket.jpeg |thumb|right|R-7 Rocket, the first rocket to put an object into orbit]] | [[Image: R7_Rocket.jpeg |thumb|right|Soviet R-7 Rocket, the first rocket to put an object into orbit]] | ||
A '''rocket''' is a device that generates thrust by burning a chemical fuel and directing the exhaust in a particular direction. [[Conservation of momentum]] requires that the momentum of the exhaust be balanced by the momentum of the rocket itself, accelerating the rocket via reaction force. | A '''rocket''' is a device that generates thrust by burning a chemical fuel and directing the exhaust in a particular direction. [[Conservation of momentum]] requires that the momentum of the exhaust be balanced by the momentum of the rocket itself, accelerating the rocket via reaction force. | ||
Revision as of 08:54, 27 January 2010
A rocket is a device that generates thrust by burning a chemical fuel and directing the exhaust in a particular direction. Conservation of momentum requires that the momentum of the exhaust be balanced by the momentum of the rocket itself, accelerating the rocket via reaction force.
Rockets have existed since the 13th century in China with simple black powder rockets used as flares, weapons, and fireworks. Modern rocketry, however, began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Robert H. Goddard, Wernher von Braun, and Sergei Korolev. Today rockets are primarally used as space launch devices as well as weapons delivery systems, although some civilian enthusiests make rockets for recreational purposes.
Real Life Rockets
- RS-82 (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
- V2 (Nazi Germany)
- R7 (USSR)
- Saturn V (United States of America)
- Long March 2F (People's Republic of China)