A rocket at fired straight up from rest with a net upward acceleration of 20 m/s2 starting from the ground. After 4.0 s, the thrusters fail and the rocket continues to coast upward with insignificant air resistance. (a) What is the maximum height reached by the rocket

The maximum height reached by the rocket is 486.53 m

Explanation:

Given;

initial velocity of the rocket, u = 0

acceleration of the rocket, a= 20 m/s²

duration of the rocket first motion, t = 4 s

The distance traveled by the rocket before its thrust failed

h₁ = ut + ¹/₂at²

h₁ = 0 + ¹/₂ x 20 x 4²

h₁ = 160 m

The second distance moved by the rocket is calculated as follows;

The velocity of the rocket before its thrust failed;

v = u + at

v = 0 +  20 x 4

v = 80 m/s

This becomes the initial velocity for the second stage

At maximum height, the final velocity = 0

The maximum height reached by the rocket = h₁ + h₂

                                                                          = 160 + 326.53

                                                                          = 486.53 m