How does a rocket launch upwards? Choose the statement that best describes why a rocket goes up.
A)By expelling gas, the rocket loses mass; because it is lighter, it rises up.
B)By expelling gas downwards, the rocket is propelled upwards.
C)By expelling gas downwards, which pushes against the ground, the rocket is propelled upwards.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Newton's third law of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the case of a rocket launch, the action is the expulsion of gas downwards at high speed through the rocket engine. This creates a reaction force pushing the rocket upwards with a thrust. As the gas is expelled downwards, the rocket moves in the opposite direction, following Newton's third law of motion. Therefore, a rocket is propelled upwards by expelling gas downwards.

How Does a Rocket Launch Upwards? Choose the Statement That