Question

Assertion :It takes more fuel for a spacecraft to travel from the earth to the Moon than for the return trip. Reason: The point of zero gravitational field intensity due to the earth and the Moon is lying nearer to the Moon, i.e., in the diagram shown, for $r<r_0$. $E_g$ is towards the earth's centre and for $r>r_0$, $E_g$ is towards the Moon's centre, and at $r=r_0$, $E_g$ is zero.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
• D. Assertion is incorrect and Reason is correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion

Assuming to the left of neutral point the net force on the space craft will be towards left and towards right of the point the force will be towards right. Hence during return trip the gravity assists more the motion of the space craft that during the motion of earth to moon. Hence less fuel required in return path.

So, $\left(a\right)$ Both statement are correction and the latter one is correct explanation of the former.