Two rockets are being tested. Both rockets have the same mass. One rocket accelerates at a higher rate than another rocket. What could be true about the difference between the rockets?

Question

a
One rocket has more fuel than the other
b
One rocket is more streamlined than the other
c
One rocket engine produces more force than the other
d
One rocket is more badly designed than the other

Answer 1

The most relevant option about the difference between the rockets is:

c. One rocket engine produces more force than the other.

This is because acceleration depends on the net force acting on the object (according to Newton's second law, F=ma), so if both rockets have the same mass and one accelerates at a higher rate, it must be due to a greater force being produced by its engine.

While the other options might contribute to differences in performance, they do not directly explain the difference in acceleration given that the mass is the same. For instance:

• a. One rocket has more fuel than the other does not necessarily affect acceleration directly unless it relates to thrust.
• b. One rocket is more streamlined than the other could reduce drag but does not change the thrust produced.
• d. One rocket is more badly designed than the other is vague and doesn't provide a specific reason.

Thus, option c is the most accurate explanation based on the information given.