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 flight. 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 an a - 4 motor and flown two times. flight results support the initial hypothesis, with the roughest - surface rocket reaching its apogee at the lowest altitude and the glossiest - surface rocket reaching it at the highest. in conclusion, the findings suggest that smoother rocket 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?
people concerned about the price of gas
academics in the field of engineering
high school math students
model rocket hobbyists

Explanation:

The study is about model rockets, their surface finishes, and how it affects flight - related factors like altitude and drag. Engineering academics would be interested in such technical studies related to aerodynamics and design of model rockets. People concerned about gas price are not the target as it's not about fuel in the context of cars. High - school math students are not the main audience as it's more technical than basic math. Model rocket hobbyists might be interested but academics in engineering are more likely the primary audience due to the scientific and technical nature of the study.

Answer:

academics in the field of engineering