Rockets going into space have to use huge engines when they are first launching, but they drop them once they are nearing the end of the Earth's atmosphere. Which of the following statements about how this process is related to the effects of gravity is correct?

A)Because gravity decreases as the rocket gets farther away from Earth, the rocket needs less force to escape the pull of the Earth as it climbs higher.
B)Because gravity decreases as mass increases, the rocket needs the extra weight to help it escape the Earth's atmosphere initially.
C)Because gravity stays the same as mass incr

Question

Rockets going into space have to use huge engines when they are first launching, but they drop them once they are nearing the end of the Earth's atmosphere. Which of the following statements about how this process is related to the effects of gravity is correct?

A)Because gravity decreases as the rocket gets farther away from Earth, the rocket needs less force to escape the pull of the Earth as it climbs higher.
B)Because gravity decreases as mass increases, the rocket needs the extra weight to help it escape the Earth's atmosphere initially.
C)Because gravity stays the same as mass incr

anonymous · Answer

B is closest.  You need the big rocket in the beginning because you need to lift the rocket, the upper stages, and the fuel for both the upper stages and your initial stage.  The higher you go, the less fuel you need, and the less fuel you need to lift the fuel you need.