Why we can’t use Airplane in Space
Overcoming the Challenges of Space Travel: How Rockets Propel in a Vacuum
When it comes to traversing the vastness of space, a number of unique challenges present themselves. Among these hurdles are the lack of air resistance and the absence of a solid medium to push against, as dictated by Newton’s third law of motion. However, ingenious engineering and scientific principles come together to empower rockets to overcome these obstacles and propel themselves through the vacuum of space.
One primary obstacle faced in space is the absence of air resistance. On Earth, objects encounter air resistance when they move through the atmosphere, which can provide a force against which they can push to propel themselves forward. In the vacuum of space, this resistance is non-existent, making it difficult for traditional propulsion methods to function effectively.
Furthermore, according to Newton’s third law of motion, for an object to move, it must push against another object, and in turn, be pushed back. However, in the vast emptiness of space, the absence of surrounding objects presents a challenge in generating the necessary force to enable movement.
Unlike airplanes, which rely on air resistance for propulsion, rockets, however, have been designed to overcome these formidable conditions and facilitate space travel. By leveraging the combustion of fuel, rockets generate their own propulsive force within the vacuum. When the fuel is burned, it releases gases as a byproduct. These gases, expelled at high velocities through a nozzle at the rear of the rocket, create a reactionary force that propels the rocket forward but this is not the case with airplane.
In essence, rockets create their own gaseous environment in space, enabling them to push against the expelled gases and propel themselves in the opposite direction. This principle aligns with Newton’s third law, as the expulsion of gases from the rocket generates a reaction force that propels the vehicle forward.
By ingeniously employing this method, rockets can overcome the challenges posed by the vacuum of space. They harness the energy contained within their fuel and convert it into a propulsive force, effectively pushing against the expelled gases and enabling movement through the vast expanses of space.
In summary, while the vacuum of space presents significant challenges to traditional modes of propulsion, rockets have successfully found a way to maneuver within this environment. Through the controlled combustion of fuel, they create their own gaseous environment, which allows them to push against the expelled gases and propel themselves forward. This innovative approach exemplifies the remarkable human ingenuity and scientific understanding that underpin the exploration of space.
