For example, if I took a butane lighter & fired it up, there’s no force in any direction. How does a rocket ignition work & propel itself upwards?
Thanks,
In: Engineering
A butane lighter IS exerting a force, it’s just the force is going everywhere, left/right/back towards your hand. It’s just that the force is so small you don’t notice it.
A rocket uses a nozzle to make sure as much of the force goes out the back as possible, and as little goes to the side as possible.
It’s also burning a lot faster. A model rocket and burn through its tiny motor in seconds. Your butane lighter will last quite a few minutes.
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