Question

read the abstract and then answer the question. gravity and drag both reduce the maximum altitude that a rocket can reach, increasing the cost of rocket flights. this study hypothesizes that rockets with a smoother surface will experience less drag and reach higher altitudes, given the same thrust as rockets with rough surfaces. to test this hypothesis, three identical model rockets were constructed and given finishes with varying degrees of surface smoothness: roughed with 40 - grit sandpaper, unfinished, and glossed. each rocket was outfitted with b5 - 4 motors and flown ten times. flight results support the initial hypothesis, with the roughened - surface rocket reaching the apogee point at the lowest altitude and the glossed - surface rocket reaching it at the highest. in conclusion, the findings suggest that smoother surface finishes can reduce the drag force enough to affect altitude, thereby potentially increasing rocket efficiency and reducing fuel costs. who is the primary audience? model rocket hobbyists academics in the field of engineering high school math students people concerned about the price of gas

Explanation:

The abstract discusses a scientific study on how surface - smoothness affects rocket altitude, with implications for rocket efficiency. It uses technical terms and a scientific approach, which is more relevant to engineering academics. Model rocket hobbyists may be interested but not the primary audience. High school math students and people concerned about gas prices are not the target audience as the content is specialized engineering - related research.

Answer:

B. academics in the field of engineering