What Is Major Jones's Recoil Speed in Zero Gravity?

AI Thread Summary
In a zero-gravity environment, Major Jones and Captain Smith initially have no speed. When Major Jones pushes Captain Smith, who then moves at 0.4 m/s, the conservation of momentum principle applies. The total momentum before the push is zero, meaning the momentum after the push must also equal zero. By calculating the momentum of Captain Smith after the push, the recoil speed of Major Jones can be determined. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding momentum conservation in this scenario.
Spartan Erik
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Homework Statement



Two astronauts are initially floating together with zero speed in a gravity-free region of space. The mass of Major Jones is 90 kg and that of Captain Smith is 70 kg. Major Jones pushes Captain Smith away so that Captain Smith attains a speed of 0.4 m/s. The recoil speed of Major Jones is:

0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 m/s

Homework Equations



P = Mv
J = change in P

The Attempt at a Solution



I honestly have no idea.. I've searched through my textbook for any similar examples of this type of elastic collision, but I can't find anything
 
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What is the momentum of both astronauts before Jones pushes Smith?

What is the total momentum of Smith and Jones before the push?

What is the momentum of Smith after Jones pushes him?

What is the total momentum of Smith and Jones after the push? (Taking into consideration that momentum is conserved.)
 
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