The picture below shows the Apollo spacecraft that took astronauts to the moon. The spacecraft weighed about 5 million pounds, with motors that produced 7 million pounds of thrust.
Which statement explains how the spacecraft left the surface of the earth? (1 point) Responses The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was equal to the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was equal to the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied a downward force of thrust that was less than the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied a downward force of thrust that was less than the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied a downward force of thrust that was equal to the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied a downward force of thrust that was equal to the downward force of gravity. The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was greater than the downward force of gravity.
The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was greater than the downward force of gravity.
The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was greater than the downward force of gravity.
The correct statement is: "The spacecraft applied an upward force of thrust that was greater than the downward force of gravity."
To explain how the spacecraft left the surface of the earth, we need to consider the concept of thrust and gravity.
Thrust is the force generated by the spacecraft's motors, which propels it forward. In this case, the motors produced 7 million pounds of thrust.
Gravity, on the other hand, is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. It acts downwards and is responsible for keeping us grounded on the surface.
To overcome the force of gravity and leave the Earth's surface, the spacecraft needs to apply an upward force of thrust that is greater than the downward force of gravity. This is because the thrust force needs to be able to counteract the force of gravity and create a net upward force.
By applying an upward force of thrust greater than the downward force of gravity, the spacecraft is able to overcome gravity and leave Earth's surface on its journey to the moon.