Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

Re: What we learned in physics



In a rocket, the purpose of the burning fuel is to put the
front of the craft in a relatively low-pressure area, so it can be sucked
forward. That reporter in the 40's who ridiculed Goddard was wrong, the
problem is not that you cannot push against a vacuum. The problem is how
to create suction in outer space!



.....................uuuu / oo \ uuuu........,.............................
William Beaty

This is easy. The rocket exhaust creates a volume of stuff behind the
rocket, thereby yielding a lack of suction in that direction. The
previously existing suction in front of the rocket thereby pulls it
forward. Now, how does it keep going when the rocket is turned off. .
.. .?

Paul J. Camp "The Beauty of the Universe
Assistant Professor of Physics consists not only of unity
Coastal Carolina University in variety but also of
Conway, SC 29528 variety in unity.
pjcamp@coastal.edu --Umberto Eco
pjcamp@postoffice.worldnet.att.net The Name of the Rose
(803)349-2227
fax: (803)349-2926