Question

During a launch of the shuttle, fuel is being burned at a rate of 2000 kg every second. the exhaust from the burning of this fuel is expelled by the engines and can be seen during the launch. readings from instruments mounted on the space shuttle show that for the first 2 min after launch the thrust (force) provided to the shuttle is constant. yet during this time of constant applied force, the acceleration of the shuttle constantly increases? how is this possible?

thanks!

Answer 1

the mass of the shuttle is decreasing because fuel is being expelled
F = m a
same F
less m
more a


Same happens with your car, but so slowly it does not matter :)