Question

name

1. there are many forces at play when a rocket is launched into space. to get the

rocket off the ground and moving upward, all three of newtons laws of motion
come into play.
which statements regarding newtons laws are true based on this scenario?
select all that apply.
a. the rocket stays at rest until its engine ignites and the force launches the
rocket into the air.
b. the smaller the rocket, the slower it will accelerate.
c. the smaller the rocket, the faster it will accelerate.
d. the rocket must overcome the force of gravity in order to lift off the ground,
but gravity continues to act on the rocket.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Newton's First Law

Newton's First Law (Law of Inertia) states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Option A is correct as the rocket stays at rest until an unbalanced force (engine ignition) acts on it.

Step2: Analyze Newton's Second Law

Newton's Second Law is \(F = ma\) (where \(F\) is force, \(m\) is mass, and \(a\) is acceleration). For a given force, \(a=\frac{F}{m}\). A smaller mass (\(m\)) will result in a larger acceleration (\(a\)) when the same force is applied. So, the smaller the rocket (less mass), the faster it will accelerate. Option C is incorrect and Option B is incorrect.

Step3: Analyze Newton's Third Law and force of gravity

Newton's Third Law is about action - reaction pairs. But for the rocket to lift - off, it must overcome the force of gravity (an external force acting on it). Option D is correct as gravity acts on the rocket (a non - zero net force in the downward direction initially, and the rocket's thrust must be greater than the gravitational force for lift - off).

Answer:

A. The rocket stays at rest until its engine ignites and the force launches the rocket into the air.
D. The rocket must overcome the force of gravity in order to lift off the ground.