In this lab we will look at what happens when an explosion separates two trucks. Run the demo below (by adjusting the Thrust slide).

  • As you increase the thrust, what changes do you observe? What changes occur in the ship?

  • What happens to the appearance of the ship with relation to the stars in the background?

  • When you have reached maximum thrust and still have some fuel left, discontinue the thrust by sliding the Thrust back to the left. (Don't stop and refuel for this part!) What changes do you observe? What changes occur in the ship?

  • What happens in relation to the background?

  • How is fuel use altered?

  • Discuss this situation with your partner. In your own words, explain what you are observing and why you think it is occurring.

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