In this rocket simulation, a model rocket is launched from the ground. During the first stage, the rocket accelerates upward quickly. During the second stage, the rocket accelerates upward more slowly, gaining speed until it runs out of fuel. Once it is out of fuel it continues upward, then falls back to earth, exploding on the way down.
The simulation includes 22 built-in quiz questions covering position-time and velocity-time graphs, including deriving acceleration from slope and displacement from area on the velocity-time graph.
The simulation can also be used in a discussion of forces, net force, and acceleration with Newton’s 2nd Law. A worksheet for this is attached below.
Recommended Lab:
Free Body Diagrams with the 2-Stage Rocket Simulation | PDF Version MS Word Version |