Question
Bode made a rocket using an empty plastic bottle and fins made out of cardboard. After partially filling the bottle with water, he pumps air into the bottle using a pump attached to the rocket with plastic tubes. When the pressure in the bottle becomes high enough, the water gushes out and launches the rocket into the air, as shown in the diagram below.
Image modified courtesy of NASA
How does the force that causes the water to leave the rocket compare to the force that causes the rocket to launch?
A.
They are equal and act in the same direction.
B.
They are unequal and act in the same direction.
C.
They are unequal and act in opposite directions.
D.
They are equal and act in opposite directions.
Image modified courtesy of NASA
How does the force that causes the water to leave the rocket compare to the force that causes the rocket to launch?
A.
They are equal and act in the same direction.
B.
They are unequal and act in the same direction.
C.
They are unequal and act in opposite directions.
D.
They are equal and act in opposite directions.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is **D. They are equal and act in opposite directions.**
This scenario can be explained using Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the water is forced out of the bottle (the action), it creates a reaction that launches the rocket upward. Therefore, the force that pushes the water out of the rocket and the force that propels the rocket into the air are equal in magnitude but act in opposite directions.
This scenario can be explained using Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When the water is forced out of the bottle (the action), it creates a reaction that launches the rocket upward. Therefore, the force that pushes the water out of the rocket and the force that propels the rocket into the air are equal in magnitude but act in opposite directions.