The rocket.Clara Chung said:If gas is ejected, what does the force act on?
Conversation of momentum is ensured by Newton's 3rd Law (action and reaction).Clara Chung said:By conversation of momentum, the rocket can be propelled forward by ejecting mass like gas. However, how is the propelling force explained in terms of action and reaction?
Clara Chung said:If gas is ejected, what does the force act on?
A rocket moves in space by expelling hot gas from its engines in one direction, which propels the rocket in the opposite direction, following Newton's Third Law of motion - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Yes, a rocket can still move in space without air because it carries its own fuel and oxidizer, which are used to generate the hot gas needed for propulsion. This allows the rocket to move and change direction in the vacuum of space.
The force of thrust from the rocket's engines propels it forward, while the force of gravity pulls it towards the center of a larger body, such as a planet or moon. These forces have to be balanced for a rocket to maintain a stable orbit or trajectory in space.
No, rockets do not need to constantly fire their engines to stay in space. Once a rocket reaches its desired speed and trajectory, it can coast through space without using its engines. However, small adjustments may need to be made periodically to maintain its course.
A rocket can change direction in space by using its thrusters, which are smaller engines that can be fired in different directions to adjust its trajectory. This can be done by changing the angle of the thrusters or by using a combination of different thrusters to create a specific direction of thrust.