How do rocket engines propel rockets through the vacuum in space?
Kochi, Kerala Rocket propulsion takes place due to a fundamental principle of physics which states that to every action of force there exists an equal and opposite reaction force. The reaction forces are helpful in almost all modes of movement. When a fish swings its fins backwards in water, the reaction force pushes the fish forward; when we push down our feet backwards on the ground, we are able to move forward while walking or running. When a rocket is fired, a suitable combination of fuel is made to burn in order to produce gaseous combustion products at extremely high temperature and pressure in its “tail chamber” fitted with an exhaust jet. For example, in the modern rockets a mixture of liquefied hydrogen and oxygen is used as a fuel, the burning of which produces water in gaseous form at very high temperature and pressure. This gas escapes through the jet with enormous force which causes the reaction force to act in the opposite direction on the rocket body. Thus the rocket get
