Question

A space shuttle is burning fuel to reach the moon. Find the force exerted by the fuel on the shuttle if in 2 seconds the shuttle experiences a change in momentum of 325,000 kg·m/s.

A) 162,500 N
B) 162,750 N
C) 163,000 N
D) 163,250 N

Answer 1

The force exerted by the fuel on the space shuttle is found using Newton's second law of motion, yielding a value of 162,500 N; therefore, the correct answer is A) 162,500 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the force exerted by the fuel on the space shuttle, we can use the definition of force from Newton's second law of motion, which relates force (F), change in momentum (Δp), and change in time (Δt). The equation is F = Δp / Δt. Given that the change in momentum of the shuttle is 325,000 kg·m/s over a period of 2 seconds, the calculation is straightforward:

F = Δp / Δt = 325,000 kg·m/s / 2 s = 162,500 N

Therefore, the correct answer is A) 162,500 N.