Chapter 9, Problem 61A

To determine

To Explain:The velocity of the rocket engine changes by the gas escaping from it as there is nothing in space.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Newton's third law states that action and reaction force always occur in pair. To every action, there is equal and opposite reaction.

Gas escaping from space craft with velocity and the momentum of gas is conserved by the change in velocity of the space craft in opposite direction. Gas exerts a reaction force on the spacecraft. This reaction force changes the velocity of spacecraft.

Conclusion:

Gas exerts a force due to which velocity of space craft changes.