# A rocket is launched vertically from rest. As the rocket climbs higher, its acceleration increases even though the thrust force from its engines remains constant. Explain why the acceleration of the rocket increases as it climbs.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.6 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

> A rocket burns fuel at a steady rate, producing a constant upward thrust force throughout its climb.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. As fuel is burned, the mass of the rocket decreases
2. A smaller mass means a greater acceleration for the same force (Newton's Second Law)
3. The atmosphere becomes less dense at greater altitude, so air resistance decreases
4. A smaller opposing force means a larger resultant force, so acceleration is greater

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-rocket-is-launched-vertically-from-ebea3080) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.