A rocket is fired in space. As it moves, the total momentum of the rocket and its exhaust gases does what?

Question

A. any of these, depending on the nature of the rocket
B. remains the same
C. decreases
D. increases

Answer 1

B. Remains the same

Answer 2

Momentum is conserved.

This is how the rocket moves. The mass ejected (fuel) from the rocket is regarded as a collision. The rocket's reaction to the loss of mass is (Newton's 3rd law) is to recoil in the opposite direction.