Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2021 / ia / Paper 4 / 3C / Solution

Let $M(t)=m_0-\alpha t$ be the trolley's remaining mass. During $dt$, the expelled mass $-dM$ has ground-frame velocity $v+u$. Conservation of momentum gives, to first order,and hence $Mdv=udM$. Integration yields the rocket equationAt the stopping time, $M=m_0{e}^{-v_0/u}$. Therefore the time spent ejecting gas is

Solved by gpt-5.6-sol high.