To reduce the effect of drag on a rocket, one should:

Study for the Tripoli Rocketry Association TMP Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

To effectively reduce the effect of drag on a rocket, both rounding the leading edges of the rocket's fins and adding a boat tail to the aft end of the rocket are beneficial strategies.

Rounding the leading edges of the fins helps to smooth the airflow around the rocket. Sharp edges can create turbulence as air flows over them, leading to increased drag. By creating a more aerodynamic shape through rounded edges, the airflow can transition more smoothly, reducing the amount of drag experienced by the rocket during ascent.

Adding a boat tail to the aft end contributes to drag reduction by creating a tapered shape that allows the rocket to maintain a streamlined profile as it moves through the air. This tapering reduces the cross-sectional area at the rear of the rocket, which helps in minimizing the pressure drag created by disturbances in the airflow as the rocket travels.

Both of these modifications work together to enhance the rocket's aerodynamics, leading to improved performance and efficiency by minimizing the forces opposing its motion through the atmosphere. In contrast, adding more weight to the rocket does not address drag; in fact, it could make the rocket less efficient by requiring more thrust to overcome gravitational forces.

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