How does a rocket propel itself?

Answer 1

Propellants are combined in a combustion chamber where they chemically react to form hot gases. The pressure that is exerted against the combustion chamber wall, results in what is known as thrust, and this is what propels a rocket into the air.

Answer 2

The fundamental force that propels a rocket is electromagnetism.

What happens is that fuel particles are given a high speed by some chemical reaction (the burning) and these are ejected from the rocket at the bottom. Because momentum has to be conserved, and these particles have a net downward momentum (the particles moving upwards collide with the rocket), the rocket gains a net upward momentum.

The collision part is where electromagnetism comes in; it is the force that is responsible for objects being solid. It is what keeps you from falling through your office chair right now!

Answer 3

The gases in the fuel chamber of the rocket combust and push on the inside of the rocket, propeling it forward or upward. This is because in space there is nothing for a rocket to push of off, except itself.

Answer 4

In a rocket launch, we see an action-reaction event. The chemical energy of the fuel is converted into thermal energy and then into mechanical energy. The chemical energy stored in the fuel is released in the "burn" that we see, and the thermal energy created by the super-hot exhaust is directed "down" to push the rocket up. The thrust of the directed exhaust will "push up" on the rocket and lift it against gravity. Whether liquid fuel or solid fuel is used, the basics are still the same.

Answer 5

-- Gravitational attraction toward the center of the earth.

-- Gravitational attraction toward the center of the moon.

-- Gravitational attraction toward the center of the sun.

-- Thrust during powered ascent phases.

-- Air resistance during brief period while still surrounded by appreciable atmosphere.


I don't think there are any significant forces besides these.

Answer 6

The main forces are the force of the fuel, pushing the rocket forward, and the force of gravity. As long as the rocket is inside of Earth's atmosphere, there is also the force of air resistance.