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[[Category:Done 2015-06-11]]
[[Category:Done 2026-06-01]]  
[[File:rocket-launch-67721_640.jpg|250px|thumb|Figure 1. A rocket uses thrust to overcome the gravity of the Earth.<ref>WikiImages, Pixabay [Online], Available: http://pixabay.com/p-67721/?no_redirect</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>'''Thrust''' is the [[force]] used to accelerate an object by expelling [[gas]] [[molecule]]s at high [[speed]]s. This is the principle operation behind a [[jet engine]].</onlyinclude><ref name=Knight>R. D. Knight, "Force and Motion" in ''Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach,'' 3nd ed. San Francisco, U.S.A.: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2008, ch.5, pp.121</ref>  
<onlyinclude>'''Thrust''' is a [[force]] used to propel an object by expelling [[gas]] [[molecule]]s at high [[speed]]s.</onlyinclude><ref name=Knight>R. D. Knight, "Force and Motion" in ''Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach,'' 3nd ed. San Francisco, U.S.A.: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2008, ch.5, pp.121</ref> These molecules are what causes the object, such as a rocket, to [[acceleration|accelerate]]. The gas is expelled because an [[engine]] or [[turbine]] does [[work]] on it, sending it to the rear of the engine; this generates thrust in the '''opposite direction''' of the moving gas.<ref>NASA, ''What is Thrust?'' [Online], Available: https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thrust1.html</ref>
In a mechanical system, such as a rocket, an [[engine]] or [[turbine]] will do [[work]] to send gas molecules downwards. By Newton's Third Law, a force will be felt in the '''opposite direction''' of molecule travel and the system will feel a force upwards. This upwards force is thrust. (see Figure 1).<ref>NASA, ''What is Thrust?'' [Online], Available: https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thrust1.html</ref> Jet engines expel a [[jet]] of a fluid and the [[momentum]] of that jet pushes the object forward.


Visit [https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thrust1.html NASA] to learn more about propulsion systems and thrust.


Visit [https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thrust1.html NASA] to learn more about thrust and different propulsion systems.
<gallery caption="" mode=packed heights=210px>
File:thrust pic update.png|400px|thumb|right|Figure 1. Thrust is derived from Newton's 3rd law—every action has an equal and opposite reaction.<ref>Made internally by a member of the Energy Education team.</ref>
File:rocket-launch-67721_640.jpg|250px|thumb|Figure 2. A rocket uses thrust to overcome the gravitational forces on Earth's surface.<ref>WikiImages, Pixabay [Online], Available: http://pixabay.com/p-67721/?no_redirect</ref>
</gallery>


==For Further Reading==
For further information please see the related pages below:
*[[Force]]
*[[Law of conservation of energy]]
*[[Work]]
*[[Kinetic energy]]
*[[Engine]]
*Or explore a [[Special:Random|random page]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]
[[Category:Uploaded]]

Latest revision as of 17:16, 4 June 2026

Thrust is the force used to accelerate an object by expelling gas molecules at high speeds. This is the principle operation behind a jet engine.[1] In a mechanical system, such as a rocket, an engine or turbine will do work to send gas molecules downwards. By Newton's Third Law, a force will be felt in the opposite direction of molecule travel and the system will feel a force upwards. This upwards force is thrust. (see Figure 1).[2] Jet engines expel a jet of a fluid and the momentum of that jet pushes the object forward.

Visit NASA to learn more about propulsion systems and thrust.

  • Figure 1. Thrust is derived from Newton's 3rd law—every action has an equal and opposite reaction.[3]
    Figure 1. Thrust is derived from Newton's 3rd law—every action has an equal and opposite reaction.[3]
  • Figure 2. A rocket uses thrust to overcome the gravitational forces on Earth's surface.[4]
    Figure 2. A rocket uses thrust to overcome the gravitational forces on Earth's surface.[4]

For Further Reading

For further information please see the related pages below:

References

  1. ↑ R. D. Knight, "Force and Motion" in Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach, 3nd ed. San Francisco, U.S.A.: Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2008, ch.5, pp.121
  2. ↑ NASA, What is Thrust? [Online], Available: https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thrust1.html
  3. ↑ Made internally by a member of the Energy Education team.
  4. ↑ WikiImages, Pixabay [Online], Available: http://pixabay.com/p-67721/?no_redirect
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