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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force provided by the ion engine is constant, and the mass of the spacecraft does not change significantly during its journey. Therefore, the acceleration of the spacecraft will be the same at all points along its trajectory.

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