Question

It is possible for the velocity of a rocket to be greater than the exhaust velocity of the gases it ejects. When that is the case, the gas velocity and gas momentum are in the same direction as that of the rocket. How is the rocket still able to obtain thrust by ejecting the gases?

a) The rocket relies on external forces for thrust.
b) The rocket violates the conservation of momentum.
c) The rocket gains thrust from the gravitational field.
d) The rocket transfers momentum to the gases, generating thrust.

Answer 1

The rocket obtains thrust by transferring momentum to the gases it ejects.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thrust in a rocket is generated by transferring momentum to the gases that it ejects. Despite the velocity of the rocket being greater than the exhaust velocity of the gases, the rocket is still able to obtain thrust because it transfers momentum to the gases. This is known as the conservation of momentum. The force exerted by the gases, in the opposite direction of the gas velocity, pushes the rocket forward.