In order to move, you have to apply an equal force to something else, right? So how can rockets move in space where there are no particles?
In: Physics
Rockets move by ejecting a mass (exhaust gasses) at high speed opposite the direction they want to go.
Rockets actually work better in space because there is no air slowing down the exhaust gasses from the rocket engine – and of course there is no air in front of the rocket slowing it down either.
A simple experiment you can do to see this effect;
Use a garden hose with nozzle that you can lock in the “jet” setting. You can hold the garden hose a little ways back from the nozzle using the thrust from the water jet to hold itself up.
Now dunk it into bucket of water, or pool and see what happens to the thrust the water jet is producing. It decreases dramatically even though it now has water to “push” against.
Raise it back out of the water and the thrust returns.
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