Force and Simple Dynamics: Pushy Astronaut

In summary, the astronaut of mass 65 kg has a speed of 1.74 m/s after separating from a satellite of mass 420 kg, which has a speed of 0.268 m/s. After 1 minute, they are approximately 2799 m apart.
  • #1
mrnastytime
28
0

Homework Statement


An astronaut of mass 65 kg pushes off a satellite of mass 420 kg, exerting a force of 120 N for the 0.94 s they are in contact.

Homework Equations


What is the speed of the astronaut after they have separated?
Ans: 1.84 m/s
What is the speed of the satellite after they have separated?
Ans: .268 m/s
How far apart are they after 1 minute?
d=? m

The Attempt at a Solution


This is my attempt. I used the position as a function of time formula:
[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2[/tex]
For the astronaut: x= 0+0+.5(1.84 m/s^2)(60 s)^2= 3312 m
For the satelite: x= 0+0+.5(.268 m/s^2)(60)^2= 513 m
In order to get the separation, i subtracted the two and got 2799 m. But this is incorrect according to my online homework program. did i make a mistake or use the wrong formula?
 
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  • #2
What is the speed of the astronaut after they have separated?
Ans: 1.84 m/s
What is the speed of the satellite after they have separated?
Ans: .268 m/s

How did you get these two values?
 
  • #3
accelration of satelite=F/m=120N/420kg=0.285m/s^2
accelration of astronaut=F/m=120N/65kg=1.84 m/s^2

To find velocity, i used the velocity as a function of time equation:
V=V0+at

astronaut: V=0+1.84 m/s^2(0.94s)=1.74 m/s
satelite: V=0+0.285 m/s^2(0.94s)=0.268 m/s
 

Related to Force and Simple Dynamics: Pushy Astronaut

1. What is force?

Force is a physical quantity that describes the interaction between two objects. It can cause an object to accelerate, change direction, or deform.

2. What is the difference between mass and weight?

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is constant, but weight can change depending on the strength of gravity.

3. How does an astronaut move in space?

An astronaut can move in space by exerting a force on an object, such as pushing off a surface or using a tool to manipulate their surroundings. Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, so when an astronaut exerts a force, they will also experience a force in the opposite direction.

4. How does friction affect motion in space?

In space, there is no air resistance, so the only type of friction that can affect motion is surface friction. This type of friction occurs when two surfaces rub against each other, and it can cause objects to slow down or stop moving.

5. Can an astronaut be pulled by a gravitational force while in space?

Yes, an astronaut can experience a gravitational force while in space. Even though there is no air or atmosphere in space, there are still large objects, such as planets and stars, that have a gravitational pull. The strength of this force depends on the mass and distance of the objects involved.

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