A rocket firing its engine and accelerating in outer space (no gravity, no air r

Question

A rocket firing its engine and accelerating in outer space (no gravity, no air resistance) suddenly runs out of fuel. Which of the following best describes its motion after burnout? A. It continues to accelerate at the same rate. B. It continues to accelerate but at a gradually decreasing rate, until it reaches a constant velocity. C. It immediately stops accelerating, and continues moving at the velocity it had when burnout occurred. D. It immediately begins slowing down and gradually approaches zero velocity.

Explanation / Answer

C. it immediately stops accelerating, and continues moving at the velocity it had when burnout occured.

Since, the fuel has to burned out, then the force will be zero and if force becomes zero it means acceleration will be zero.

Hence, the change in velocity will be zero.

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