# A rocket burns fuel and lifts off vertically from a launch pad, rising high above the Earth's surface. As the rocket rises, its weight decreases. State what is meant by weight and explain why the weight of the rocket decreases as it rises.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.7 Energy, work and power · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object with mass / weight = mass × gravitational field strength
2. Gravitational field strength decreases as distance from Earth increases
3. The mass of the rocket remains constant / does not change
4. Since weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and g decreases (while mass is constant), weight decreases

## Key terms

- [weight](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/weight)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-rocket-burns-fuel-and-lifts-37eaedab) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.