Rockets on a car's effect on velocity?

[zell_D]

Homework Statement

a rocket is on a car. the car is going to the right. a rocket is fired at 45 degrees angle towards the right. what is the change in velocity (if it changes at all)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I was imagining like a gun firing, and therefore there would be recoil. so i said it decreases the velocity. but my friend says it doesn't change... i am confused

 

[The Bob]

So the car is moving to the right and the rocket fired such that a force is being felt to the left or to the right? Either way, why do you believe the velocity changes?

The Bob

 

[zell_D]

i simply thought it like the firing of a gun, and the gun will recoil backwards. but i guess there's the pressure of the barrel to take into account. why DOESNT it change tho?

 

[Oscar Wilde]

What effect does the rocket have on the car's velocity if it is firing upwards and to the right?

 

[The Bob]

why DOESNT it change tho?

I didn't say it didn't change. What we want to see is what you think the right answer is and why. Then we can see which part of the problem, specifically in explanation, is causing you problems.

The Bob