Question

A rocket is launched upwards from the surface of the moon. Hot gases are ejected downwards over a very short period of time. Which statement is not correct?

1) The rocket will experience an upward force due to the ejection of hot gases.
2) The rocket will experience a downward force due to the ejection of hot gases.
3) The rocket will experience a net force in the upward direction.
4) The rocket will experience a net force in the downward direction.

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that the rocket will experience a net force in the downward direction, because according to Newton's third law, the ejection of gases downward results in an upward thrust.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is not correct when a rocket is launched upwards from the surface of the moon and hot gases are ejected downwards is that 'The rocket will experience a net force in the downward direction.' This is because according to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the rocket ejects hot gases downwards, it experiences an upward force, which is the thrust that propels the rocket forward. This thrust overcomes the gravitational force, even on the moon, where gravity is present but weaker than on Earth. Therefore, the rocket experiences a net force in the upward direction, not downward.