Why do people think that rockets work in the vacuum of space?

@Brandon9000,

What the OP shows ignorance about is the necessity for the maximum generality of a concept for its adoption in science. The concept of 'pressure gradients' might be useful in limited contexts (in meteorolgy for example), but Newton's laws are more fundamental, and work in all contexts.
Its 'Scientific Method 101', flunked by most attention seeking dissenters!
BTW Mark Noble is here merely to do a bit of kibbitzing, by his own admission.

2 Replies

@fresco,

fresco wrote:

What the OP shows ignorance about is the necessity for the maximum generality of a concept for its adoption in science. The concept of 'pressure gradients' might be useful in limited contexts (in meteorolgy for example), but Newton's laws are more fundamental, and work in all contexts.
Its 'Scientific Method 101', flunked by most attention seeking dissenters!
BTW Mark Noble is here merely to do a bit of kibbitzing, by his own admission.

True and well put.

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@Brandon9000,

It's vague, to some. And vivid, to some.
Where would you like to begin?

Ask one question at a time, please?

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@fresco,

why the hell is this thread even necessary? Its the end of Western Civilization when we have to tell people not to stand behind a jet engine or dont eat detergent "balls"

1 Reply

@farmerman,

That's the million dollar question...'Why is a thread necessary'. Smile

The answer ranges from genuine enquiry to 'graffiti wall' for misfits.

BTW Is it St. Maarten where fools line up along the runway fence to get the jet blast ?

1 Reply

@fresco,

St martin's?

Pulp - DISCO 2000?

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What an elementary question,
Rockets don't get thrust by pushing against the air. Rockets get thrust by pushing against the rocket on one side and pushing against nothing on the other side of an explosion.

1 Reply

@Beaker17,

I would say they are pushing against the gas being expelled from the rocket.

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Newton's 3rd law of Motion -
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."
It is the reaction against the rocket from the explosive propellant combustion
that provides acceleration to the rocket mass. Nothing at all to do with exhaust gases.

1 Reply

@Beaker17,

I taught Physics. You are wrong.

There is a force being exerted on the gas. This results in the gas accelerating and gaining momentum.

The force being put on the gas is exactly equal and opposite to the force accelerating the rocket forward.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_mass

1 Reply

@maxdancona,

I rest my fundamental case - have it your way.
My condolences to your students.

1 Reply

@Beaker17,

Beaker17 wrote:

I rest my fundamental case - have it your way.
My condolences to your students.

It is not just my students... it is every high school and University student in the world. I am just teaching the same Physics that is taught everywhere.

I sure hope the entire Physics community listens to you.

1 Reply

@maxdancona,

Your arguing with a budgie

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Why do people think that rockets work in the vacuum of space?

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