Explanation must address the challenge of Newton’s laws of motion in terms of rocket operation. Newton’s laws include the following:
- A physical body will remain at rest or continue to move at a constant velocity unless an outside net force acts upon it.
- The rate of change of momentum is proportional to the resultant force producing it and takes place in the direction of that force.
- To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Teacher Resource:
National Association of Rocketry
Process/Skill Questions:
- What considerations must be taken when designing rockets to overcome the laws of motion?
- How is Newton’s second law applied to rocketry?
- How does the application of Newton’s laws compare in rocketry and in aviation?
- Why are rockets well-suited for space flight?