An ion engine provides a small but constant force on a spacecraft as it moves from Earth to Pluto. Compare the speed of the spacecraft near the beginning of its journey with its speed as it flies past Pluto.
A) The spacecraft's speed at Pluto is the same as its speed near Earth.
B) The spacecraft's speed at Pluto is slower than its speed near Earth.
C) The spacecraft's speed at Pluto is faster than its speed near Earth.
D) The relative speed cannot be determined with the information given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ion engine provides a constant force, resulting in continuous acceleration. Therefore, the spacecraft's speed increases over time, making it faster as it reaches Pluto compared to near Earth.

An Ion Engine Provides a Small but Constant Force on a Spacecraft