Question

The New Horizons spacecraft launched on January 19, 2006 from Cape Canaveral going from an initial speed of 0 km/s to a speed of about 16 km/s in order to break orbit and leave Earth. Was the spacecraft accelerated? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The New Horizons spacecraft was accelerated, as indicated by its speed change from 0 km/s to approximately 16 km/s in order to overcome Earth's gravitational pull and achieve escape velocity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, the New Horizons spacecraft was accelerated. According to physics, acceleration is defined as the rate at which an object changes its velocity. On its launch on January 19, 2006, the spacecraft's speed changed from 0 km/s to about 16 km/s in order to break Earth's orbit, a clear indication of acceleration. To achieve escape velocity from Earth, which is approximately 11 km/s, the spacecraft had to be significantly accelerated by the launcher. This increase in velocity allowed it to overcome Earth's gravitational pull and embark on its journey to Pluto and beyond.