Question

Small “ullage” examples of these (15[1])machines are used to ensure larger ones can operate in zero-g conditions. An equation describing these machines was derived by making an analogy to the “experiment of the boat.”The efficiency of these machines can be quantified by a parameter equal to “one over little g times SFC”, or by the ratio of “dry” and “wet” forms of a certain quantity. An equation named for these devices, which states (*) the log of the initial mass over final mass is proportional to delta-v, (10[1])is credited to Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (10[1])[see-ul-KAWF-skee]. Wernher von Braun helped design several examples of these machines, such as the multistage Saturn V and V-2. For 10 points, name these machines that eject exhaust with no air intake to produce the thrust needed to propel spacecraft to space. ■END■

ANSWER: rockets [accept rocket engines; accept Tsiolkovsky rocket equation; prompt on engines until “engines”; prompt on spacecraft or spaceships until “spacecraft”; prompt on missiles after “V-2” with “which were propelled by what?”]
<Science - Physics>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups

Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Michael DuWaterloo CaliWaterloo Bust515
Tony ChenToronto Tony Jingyu Chen eats quizbowlToronto Penguin World War8610
Franklin WuToronto PilkOttawa9110

Summary

2024 Booster Shot (Columbia)02/23/2024Y5100%0%0%85.80
2024 Booster Shot (Waterloo)02/23/2024Y3100%33%0%60.67
2024 Booster Shot (Vanderbilt)03/02/2024Y1100%0%0%91.00
2024 Booster Shot (Great Lakes)03/09/2024Y3100%33%0%75.67
2024 Booster Shot (WUSTL)03/09/2024Y3100%0%67%100.33