![](https://i.imgur.com/sWvCCIe.jpg)
Hi Guys,
Please consider the picture above. I am unsure where the "thrust" is generated in a rocket. More importantly, where does the friction occur between the Gas and another object to get an Action/Reaction. Hot Gas is hitting what exactly to propel the rocket in the opposite way?
MarkJo says the Gas is hitting the Bell/Thruster. Another says it's Gas on Gas. I think it's Gas on Air. I've labeled each possibility in the picture above.
Once the gas hits a medium, it generates back pressure which propels a rocket forward. The circular flat injection plate is the location where gas pressure pushes against the Saturn V rocket to propel it forward.
Naturally this is a confusing subject. I'd like to conclude by asking why a rocket should behave any differently than an afterburner on a jet. It uses very hot gas to push against air in the exhaust "bell". Assuming space isn't a "complete" zero vacuum, then why shouldn't it work the same?
And stack, Newton made it clear that MASS is important in the action/reaction equation. The greater the mass of one object compared to another, the less it will move.