Chapter 3, Problem 31A

A space probe can be carried by a rocket into outer space. Your friend asks what kind of force keeps the probe moving after it is released from the rocket and on its own. What is your answer?

To determine

The kind of force that keeps the space probe moving after it is released from the rocket

Answer to Problem 31A

The kind of force that keeps the space probe moving after it is released from the rocket is inertia.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Momentum is defined as the product of mass into velocity.

Inertia is defined as the resistance of an object that stays in a motion.

If momentum is larger, then the inertia is also large, since the greater amount of force is required to stop the motion.

The velocity of the rocket will be same as the space probe, since the rocket is attached to the space probe. Until and unless there is an external force, which influences its motion causing to move faster, the momentum of the probe keeps its motion in outer space.

By assuming the probe placed in an empty space, the initial momentum of the probe is sufficient to keep the probe moving in outer space where there is no air resistance present.

Thus, the space probe keeps moving on its own inertia after it is released from the rocket.

Conclusion:

Hence, in the absence of propelling force, the space probe will continue to move in a straight line due to inertia.