Multiple choice

During a journey from Earth to Moon and back, the greatest energy required from the spaceship's rocket is to overcome

  1. Earth's gravity during take-off

  2. the moon's gravity at lunar landing

  3. the moon's gravity during take-off

  4. Earth's gravity when entering into the atmosphere

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A Correct answer
Explanation

Earth's gravity is strongest at the surface (9.8 m/s²) and requires enormous energy to overcome during takeoff. The rocket must achieve ~11.2 km/s (escape velocity) to break free. Moon's gravity is only 1/6th of Earth's and requires much less energy. Re-entry uses atmospheric drag, not rocket power.

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