In the absence of external forces, a spaceship moves with constant velocity. With a constant force in the direction of motion, it speeds up with constant acceleration, while a force opposite to motion causes it to slow down with constant acceleration.
The correct answer is " it speeds up with constant acceleration".
The motion of a spaceship in outer space is governed by Newton's laws of motion. According to Newton's first law, an object will remain in its state of motion (either at rest or moving with a constant velocity) unless acted upon by an external force. Therefore, if there are no external forces exerted on the spaceship, it will continue to move with a constant velocity. In the vacuum of outer space, where there is minimal resistance or friction, the spaceship will experience negligible deceleration.
If a constant force is exerted on the spaceship in the direction of its motion, Newton's second law comes into play. The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force applied to it and inversely proportional to its mass. In this case, the spaceship will experience a constant acceleration in the direction of the force. As a result, its velocity will increase, and it will speed up with constant acceleration.
Conversely, if something exerts a force opposite to the spaceship's motion, the force acts as a decelerating force. According to Newton's second law, the spaceship will undergo acceleration in the opposite direction, leading to a slowing down of its motion. The acceleration will be constant if the force opposing the motion remains constant.
In summary:
- No external forces: It moves with a constant velocity.
- Constant force in the direction of motion: It speeds up with constant acceleration.
- Force opposite to motion: It slows down with constant acceleration.