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Which conservation principle is applicable in the case of the motion of a rocket?
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- Conservation of mass
- Conservation of charge
- Conservation of momentum
- Conservation of energy
- Conservation of mass
Correct Option: C
The motion of a rocket is an application of Newton’s third law of motion and law of conservation of linear momentum. The operation of a rocket illustrates the conservation of momentum. Just before launching, the momentum of the rocket is zero. When the rocket is fired, it forces a jet of hot gases with a high velocity through the nozzle. The jet of gases acquires a momentum downwards. Hence, the rocket acquires a momentum of equal magnitude in opposite direction. Thus the rocket moves upwards.