Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration
Physics: AQA A Level, topic 4.1.32
Resultant Forces in the Direction of Motion
As long as there is a resultant force in the direction of motion, an object will continue to speed up. There is a limit near the speed of light described by the theory of special relativity but this is way beyond the speeds of everyday objects.
Test yourself on Diagnostic Misconceptions - RF Acceleration
Which of these statements is true (up to at least 1,000,000 mph)?
A small rocket motor for use in space (no air resistance) produces a constant thrust of 16 kN.
Compare the acceleration caused by the motor when the spacecraft is stationary to when it is moving at 2000 m/s.
Imagine a spacecraft in outer space (negligible gravitational fields and air resistance). When the rocket motor is fired, there is a force on the spacecraft that makes its velocity increase.
What happens if the rocket motor continues to fire?