Question

A rocket is moving at a constant speed in space by burning its fuel and ejecting out the burnt gases through a nozzle. Answer the following:

(a) Is there any change in the momentum of the rocket? If yes, what causes the change in momentum?

(b) Is there any force acting on the rocket? If yes, how much?

Answer 1

(a) Yes, there is a change in momentum of the rocket. Decrease in mass of the rocket causes the change in momentum.

(b) Yes, there is force acting on the rocket which is equal to the rate of change in momentum.