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Q:

How will changing the length of a rocket affect the distance and height it travels when fired?

A:

Assuming only the length changes and weight, width, shape, fuel quantity, etc. stays the same, the distance a rocket can travel will change. Increasing the length increases the surface area. The rocket will have a harder time escaping Earth’s atmosphere and will have to use more fuel, reducing the distance it can travel on fuel. Shorten it and it will have less surface area. It will have an easier time escaping, using less fuel on the way. Noting that a rocket will continue to travel on its original course once it escapes Earth’s gravitational pull regardless of additional thrust.  

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