Question

3.1.2 quiz: newtons laws of motion
question 1 of 10
how does newtons third law explain how a rocket is launched upward?
a. the mass of the rocket determines how much force is needed to move it into orbit.
b. the force of earths gravity balances with the force of the rocket engines.
c. the rocket will remain motionless on the launchpad until an unbalanced force is applied.
d. the force it exerts on its exhaust gases is equal to the force the exhaust gases exert on the rocket.

Explanation:

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of a rocket launch, the rocket pushes exhaust gases downward (action force), and the exhaust gases push the rocket upward with an equal - magnitude force (reaction force).

Answer:

D. The force it exerts on its exhaust gases is equal to the force the exhaust gases exert on the rocket.