Two spaceships with different masses, propelled by rocket engines of identical force, are at rest in space. If they fire their rockets at the same time, which ship will speed up faster?
A) ship with least mass
B) ship with greatest mass
C) The spaceships will increase speed at the same rate because they have identical rocket engines.
D) The spaceships will not speed up at all; they will move at a constant speed because they are in space and the rocket has nothing against which to push.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's second law of motion, acceleration is inversely proportional to mass when the force applied is constant. Therefore, the ship with the least mass will accelerate faster.

Two Spaceships with Different Masses, Propelled by Rocket Engines of Identical