A rocket that is accelerated by the force from the ejection of large quantities of hot gases represents an example of which physical law originally stated by Newton?
A) Newton's law of elliptical motion of planets
B) Newton's law of universal gravitation
C) Newton's first law of motion, concerned with state of rest or uniform motion
D) Newton's third law of motion, concerning action and reaction forces

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rocket's operation is an example of Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The ejection of hot gases out of the rocket's engine creates a force (action) that propels the rocket forward, and in response, an equal and opposite force (reaction) is exerted by the rocket on the gases.

A Rocket That Is Accelerated by the Force from the Ejection