Question

An interstellar spacecraft, far away from the influence of any star or planet, is moving at high speed under the influence of fusion rockets (due to the thrust exerted by fusion rockets, the spacecraft is accelerating). Suddenly the engine malfunctions and stops. The spacecraft will ______.

Options

• immediately stops, throwing all of the occupants to the front

• begins slowing down and eventually comes to rest

• keep accelerating for a while, and then begins to slow down

• keeps moving forever with constant speed

Answer 1

An interstellar spacecraft, far away from the influence of any star or planet, is moving at high speed under the influence of fusion rockets (due to the thrust exerted by fusion rockets, the spacecraft is accelerating). Suddenly the engine malfunctions and stops. The spacecraft will keeps moving forever with constant speed.

Explanation:

Due to malfunctioning of the engine, the process of rocket fusion stops; hence, the net force experienced by the spacecraft becomes zero. Afterwards, the spacecraft continues to move with a constant speed.