How do rockets/missiles go so fast (thousands of miles an hour)

118 views

How do rockets/missiles go so fast (thousands of miles an hour)

In: 4

4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Rockets move by throwing propellant out the back in the opposite direction. Per Newton’s Third Law, since the rocket exerts a force on the propellant, the propellant also exerts a force on the rocket. Rockets are able to move so quickly because the speed they throw the exhaust out the back is typically measured in *kilometers per second.*

Anonymous 0 Comments

Or are you wondering about how they can do so aerodynamically while many aircraft cannot?

Anonymous 0 Comments

Compared to planes you mean?

They are usually lighter and don’t need to worry about leaving enough fuel to safely land. Also, it can accelerate without keeping a human alive.

Anonymous 0 Comments

They use a different type of engine to a standard airliner,

Airliners mostly use turbofans which push air out the back (very simple explanation)

Missiles use rockets which push ignited propellent (fuel) out of the back which pushes it forward.

Turbofans are significantly more efficient and cheaper to run

Rockets have more thrust