MCAT Physics Question 2: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 2

2. A 1000 kg rocket ship, travelling at is acted upon by an average force of 20 kN applied in the direction of its motion for 8 s. What is the change in velocity of the rocket?

  • A.
  • B.
  • C.
  • D.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The average force on the rocket equals its mass times the average acceleration; the average acceleration equals the change in velocity divided by the time over which the change occurs. So, the change in velocity equals the average force times the time divided by the mass:

Choice (B) represents the new velocity of the rocket, not its change in velocity. Choices (C) and (D) neglect dividing by the mass of the rocket.

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