Answer: 1. Newton's First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia): An object at rest will remain at rest, and an object in motion will remain in motion with a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.
During liftoff, the spacecraft is initially at rest. However, the rocket engines generate a force that propels the spacecraft forward and overcomes its initial state of rest. Once the spacecraft is in motion, it will continue to move forward with a constant velocity unless acted upon by other external forces, such as air resistance or gravity.
2. Newton's Second Law of Motion: The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it, and inversely proportional to its mass.
As the rocket engines burn fuel, they generate a force that propels the spacecraft forward. The acceleration of the spacecraft is directly proportional to the force generated by the engines, and inversely proportional to the mass of the spacecraft. As fuel is consumed and the spacecraft becomes lighter, its acceleration will increase, allowing it to reach escape velocity and enter space.
3. Newton's Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
During liftoff, the rocket engines generate a powerful force that propels the spacecraft forward. However, the engines also generate an equal and opposite reaction force, pushing back against the rocket and causing it to shake and vibrate. This force is also responsible for the loud noise and exhaust plumes that are visible during liftoff.
These are the three laws of motion developed by Sir Isaac Newton, and they explain how objects move and interact with one another. They can be observed in the launch and flight of a spacecraft, from the initial state of rest to the forces that drive it forward, to the equal and opposite forces that shake the rocket during liftoff.