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NEET PHYSICSEasy

Rocket engines lift a rocket from the earth surface because hot gases with high velocity:

A

push against the earth.

B

push against the air.

C

react against the rocket and push it up.

D

heat up the air which lifts the rocket.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Principle: Rocket propulsion is based on Newton's Third Law of Motion ('To every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction') and the Law of Conservation of Momentum [Source 60, 61].
  2. Mechanism: The rocket engine exerts a large force on the hot gases to eject them backwards at high velocity (Action). As a reaction, the escaping gases exert an equal and opposite force (Thrust) on the rocket in the forward (upward) direction.
  3. Misconceptions: Rockets do not need air or the Earth's surface to push against; they function efficiently in the vacuum of space where there is no air or ground. Therefore, options suggesting pushing against air or earth are incorrect [Source 55, 60].
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