Problem 62 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

What type for propellant was used in SLV-3 (India)? (a) UDMH + liquid \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) (b) \(\mathrm{MMH}\) + liquid \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) (c) kerosene + liquid oxygen (d) composite solid propellent

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

SLV-3 used a composite solid propellant.

Step 1: Identify the Context

SLV-3 stands for Satellite Launch Vehicle, which was India's first experimental satellite launch vehicle, launched in the early 1980s.

Step 2: Recognize the Significance of Propellants

Understanding the types of propellants is key, as they are the substances burned to produce thrust in rockets. SLV-3 being an early-generation vehicle uses a well-known conventional propellant.

Step 3: Examine the Options

Go through each potential choice of propellant: (a) UDMH + liquid \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \), (b) MMH + liquid \( \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \), (c) kerosene + liquid oxygen, (d) composite solid propellant.

Step 4: Deterministic Evaluation

SLV-3 primarily used a solid propellant, which makes option (d) correct. The choice of composite solid propellant was expected given the era and technology used.

Key Concepts

Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3)

The Satellite Launch Vehicle, commonly referred to as SLV-3, marked a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this launch vehicle had its first successful flight in 1980. As a four-stage vehicle, SLV-3 was designed to deploy payloads into a near-Earth orbit. In its successful mission, it launched the Rohini satellite, initiating a series of achievements for India's space endeavors.
It was created at a time when India was establishing its foothold in the space sector, and it used technology that was cutting-edge for the time. Building upon solid-propellent technology, the vehicle brought together various innovations to ensure success. With its launch, SLV-3 proved India's capabilities in developing indigenous space technology, paving the way for future advancements like the PSLV and GSLV series.

• Four-stage vehicle
• Successful mission in 1980
• Marked the beginning of India's independent space program

Rocket Thrust Production

Rocket thrust is the force that propels a rocket upwards into space, and it's essential for overcoming the gravitational pull of the Earth. Thrust is produced through the rapid expulsion of propellant gases from the rocket's engine, adhering to Newton's third law, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When the gases are expelled downwards, an upward thrust is generated, allowing the rocket to lift off.
The efficiency of thrust production is significantly influenced by the type of propellant used and the engine design. SLV-3's use of composite solid propellants in its engines was a deliberate choice that optimized thrust production while ensuring stability and safety. Solid propellants are known for their simplicity and reliability as they combine fuel and oxidizer into a single homogenous mixture. This allows for a reliable, uncomplicated propulsion system.

• Based on Newton's third law
• Expulsion of gases creates upward thrust
• Type of propellant affects thrust efficiency

Propellant Types in Rocketry

Propellants are crucial components in rocketry, as they are the materials responsible for propulsion by burning and producing thrust. There are generally two main types: liquid and solid propellants. Each has its own advantages and specific applications.
Liquid propellants, such as UDMH combined with liquid nitrogen tetroxide, enable precise control over thrust and can be throttled, shut down, or restarted. However, they require complex machinery to handle and store, given their volatility and reactivity.
On the other hand, solid propellants, like those used in the SLV-3, offer simplicity and reliability. They consist of a homogeneous mixture of fuel and oxidizer that is stable under normal conditions. Once ignited, they burn until depleted, making them ideal for missions where simplicity and consistent thrust are essential. Composite solid propellant, specifically, is a type of solid propellant that uses a binder to hold the fuel and oxidizer mixture, offering enhanced performance and stability.

• Two main types: liquid and solid
• Solid propellants known for reliability
• Composite solid propellants enhance stability and performance