Imagine a Star Wars type spaceship in orbit around a planet. Its engine suffers a severe malfunction, and explodes. What is the most physically realistic depiction of this event?
A)The spacecraft breaks apart, and the pieces continue to orbit the planet.
B)The spacecraft burns up in a giant fireball.
C)The spacecraft breaks in half and begins to sink down into the planet, like a sinking aircraft carrier.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In space, there is no atmosphere to cause a fireball upon explosion. Therefore, option B can be ruled out. Additionally, there is no force pulling the spaceship towards the planet that would cause it to sink down like an aircraft carrier. Therefore, option C can also be ruled out. The most physically realistic depiction would be for the spacecraft to break apart and for the pieces to continue to orbit the planet, following their respective trajectories.

Imagine a Star Wars Type Spaceship in Orbit Around a Planet