NASA Logo - Web Link to NASA.gov

+ Text Only Site
+ Non-Flash Version
+ Contact Glenn

Go
ABOUT NASA NEWS AND EVENTS MULTIMEDIA MISSIONS MyNASA WORK FOR NASA

Beginner's Guide to Rockets
Fundamental Terminology
Activity

If so instructed by your teacher, print out a worksheet page.

In order to understand the concepts of rockets, you must first understand the concepts of forces and Newton's Three Laws of Motion. Along with Newton's Laws you will study four forces that are basic to the flight of rockets. The terms are hyperlinked to the Beginner's Guide to Rockets. Before going to these descriptions review the worksheet. It will assist you while reading each section. The terms are:

THRUST

DRAG

LIFT

WEIGHT

NEWTON'S LAWS:

1st - LAW of INERTIA

2nd - LAW of ACCELERATION

3rd - LAW of INTERACTION

 

After you feel comfortable with the provided information, complete this matching exercise.

1. ___

Used to control a model rocket.

A. Weight

2. ___

The faster the exhaust is pushed through the rocket engine, the more forceful this is.

B. Newton's First Law

3. ___

This, along with weight, acts as resistance to rocket motion.

C. Newton's Third Law

4. ___

If thrust is greater than weight, this law describes the increase in velocity.

D. Drag

5. ___

When weight and drag are in balance, this law explains why the rocket falls at a constant velocity.

E. Newton's Second Law

6. ___

Rocket engines produce thrust through the application of this law.

F. Thrust

7. ___

For a rocket to lift off, the thrust must be greater than this force.

G. Lift



Related Sites:
Teaching Standards
Worksheet
Rocket Index
Rocket Home
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Home

 

     First Gov Image


+ Inspector General Hotline
+ Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted Pursuant to the No Fear Act
+ Budgets, Strategic Plans and Accountability Reports
+ Freedom of Information Act
+ The President's Management Agenda
+ NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer,
and Accessibility Certification

 

NASA Logo   
Editor: Tom Benson
NASA Official: Tom Benson
Last Updated: May 13 2021

+ Contact Glenn