Question

Tell whether you would use a positive number or a negative number to represent the velocity. The velocity of a rising rocket.

Short answer

A positive number would be used to represent the velocity of a rising rocket.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Scenario

Recognize that the scenario talks about a rocket that is rising. That is, its motion is in the upward direction.

Linking to Velocity

Understand that velocity in physics not only represents speed but also indicates direction. In the traditional scheme of representation, upward motion is positive and downward motion is negative.

Applying the Convention to the Scenario

In the case of the rising rocket, its motion is in the upward direction which, according to our convention, is represented by a positive sign. Hence, the velocity of the rocket will be represented by a positive number.