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In Biology / Middle School | 2014-10-04

Why is fuel needed to change the speed or direction of a probe in space?

Asked by lisy99

Answer (3)

Fuel is use to produce a force to accelerate in a new direction.In the void of space the object will continue its velocity until somthing acts upon it.(newtons first law of motion)

Answered by Robertw227 | 2024-06-10

Newton's first law of motion clearly states that once an object is traveling in a direction, that object will not change its direction or speed until something slows it down, stops it, or makes it change direction. Outer space creates a void where using a fuel propellent is the only way to move a probe.

Answered by icedraptor88 | 2024-06-10

Fuel is needed for space probes to change speed or direction because of Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object's state of motion cannot change without an external force. Thrust generated by fuel allows the probe to accelerate, decelerate, or change trajectory. Essentially, the expulsion of gas creates the necessary forces to overcome inertia in the vacuum of space.
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Answered by icedraptor88 | 2024-10-12