Question

a rocket launches upward. which of the following best describes how newtons three laws work together in this event?

1st law: rocket continues moving in space once engines shut off due to inertia, 2nd law: more thrust creates greater acceleration, 3rd law: exhaust gases pushed backward push rocket forward

1st law: rocket moves only when no forces act, 2nd law: mass does not affect acceleration, 3rd law: exhaust gases disappear

1st law: rocket stops once gravity acts, 2nd law: acceleration is independent of force, 3rd law: rocket pushes gases and gases push in same direction

1st law: rocket moves without forces, 2nd law: more mass gives more acceleration, 3rd law: exhaust pulls rocket up

Explanation:

Newton's first law (law of inertia) states an object in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an external force, so the rocket continues moving when engines shut - off. The second law ($F = ma$) implies more thrust (force) creates greater acceleration. The third law says for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so exhaust gases pushed backward push the rocket forward.

Answer:

1st Law: Rocket continues moving in space once engines shut off due to inertia, 2nd Law: More thrust creates greater acceleration, 3rd Law: Exhaust gases pushed backward push rocket forward