A lost astronaut of mass 190 kg drifts through space at a velocity of 6 m/s in t

Question

A lost astronaut of mass 190 kg drifts through space at a velocity of 6 m/s in the +x direction. He sees a lost satellite of mass 300 kg drifting with a velocity of 2 m/s at an angle of 40 degrees above the -x direction.

a.) What is the initial x and y components of the satellite's momentum?

b.) The astronauts grabs hold of the satellite as they drift pass one another ( a perfectly inelastic collision ). What are the x and y components of the momentum of the combined astronaut-satellite system after the collision?

c.) What is the magnitude of the momentum?

d.) The astronaut wishes to stop moving by throwing the satellite. How fast must he throw it to accomplish this?

Explanation / Answer

astronaut of mass 190 kg velocity of 6 m/s in the +x direction

satellite of mass 300 kg drifting with a velocity of 2 m/s at an angle of 40 degrees above the -x direction.

a.) X- component of momentum = 300*2*Cos(40) =459.63 kg.m

Y- component of momentum = 300*2*Sin(40) = 385.67 kg.m

b.) Momentum will be conserved in both the direction

X- component of momentum = 459.63 +190*6 = 1599.63 kg.m

    Y- component of momentum = 385.67 kg.m

c.) Magnitude of momentum = [(1599.63)2 + (385.67)2]1/2 = 1645.47 kg.m

d.) Speed = Total momentum / mass of satellite = 5.48 m/s

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