How does gravity affect thrust?

How does gravity affect thrust in rocket launches?

Gravity plays a crucial role in thrust during rocket launches. It counteracts the thrust produced by the rocket engines, requiring the engines to generate enough force to overcome gravitational pull.

So, does that mean rockets need more thrust to launch from Earth than from the Moon?

Exactly! Rockets need significantly more thrust to escape Earth's gravity compared to the Moon's weaker gravitational pull, which is about one-sixth of Earth's.

What happens if the thrust is not enough to overcome gravity?

If the thrust is insufficient, the rocket will not ascend and may fall back to the ground or remain stationary. It needs to exceed gravitational force to lift off.

Are there any calculations involved in determining the required thrust?

Yes, engineers use the rocket equation and consider factors like mass, gravity, and desired altitude to calculate the necessary thrust for a successful launch.