What shape do rockets generally have to reduce drag?

Rockets are generally designed with a streamlined shape to reduce drag as they travel through the atmosphere. A streamlined design allows air to flow smoothly around the rocket, minimizing the turbulence created as it moves forward. This shape helps to decrease air resistance, which is crucial for achieving high speeds and efficient fuel usage.

By maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic profile, a streamlined rocket can cut through the air more effectively, allowing it to reach its target altitude and velocity with less energy expenditure. This design is also important for maintaining stability during flight. Other shapes, such as square, cylindrical, or flat, do not offer the same level of aerodynamic efficiency, leading to increased drag and decreased performance during ascent.