How does a rocket fly through empty space?
In space there is nothing for the exhausting gas to push against. Therefore rockets do not move because the exhausted gas pushes against the ground or air surrounding the craft. Instead, a rocket moves because of the unbalanced forces in action-reaction pairs. Discover For Yourself! It is easier to explain unblanced forces and action-reaction pairs by doing an experiment. 1. Inflate a balloon and tie a knot in the neck of the ballon so the air cannot escape. Hold the neck of the balloon, then release the balloon. What Happens? Are you saying DUH!! It falls to the floor? If so, you are correct. It will fall because the only unbalanced force acting on the balloon is gravity. If something accelerates, it has an unbalanced force. Gravity causes things to accelerate toward Earth’s surface. This means that as something falls, its speed keeps increasing. For example, if one object is released at a height of 1 foot (0.3m) above the ground and a second object is released at a height of 3 feet (
