Cadet Competition Written Practice Exam

Which force opposes the motion of a rocket through the atmosphere?

1. Thrust

2. Drag

3. Lift

4. Gravity

The correct answer is: Drag

The motion of a rocket as it moves through the atmosphere is primarily opposed by drag. Drag is the aerodynamic resistance that occurs when an object moves through a fluid, in this case, air. As the rocket ascends, its shape and speed interact with air molecules, creating a force that opposes its forward motion. Understanding drag is crucial for rocket design and performance, as it affects how efficiently a rocket can travel through the atmosphere. Engineers work to minimize drag by streamlining the rocket's shape, thus reducing the amount of air resistance the rocket encounters during flight. This consideration is important for achieving successful launches and efficient travel through the atmosphere. While thrust propels the rocket upward and gravity pulls it downward, lift is not a significant factor for rockets as it is primarily more relevant to aircraft. Therefore, drag is the correct answer as it directly relates to the opposition of the rocket's movement through the atmosphere.