It would be possible to write a computer program to predict the motion. However,
ID: 1523162 • Letter: I
Question
It would be possible to write a computer program to predict the motion. However, it is important to check that such a program is working correctly by making an estimate through calculations by hand. If the prediction of the program and the estimate made by hand calculations differ by a lot, something is wrong. The next question deals with this issue.
(b) Make a rough estimate of the vector change in momentum of the spacecraft that would result from encountering the asteroid. There is no one correct answer, since we're just trying to make a rough estimate. However, just because we're looking for a rough estimate doesn't mean that all answers are correct! Estimates that are wildly in disagreement with what physics would predict for this situation will be counted wrong.
= ?
Spacecraft coming from far away Distance of closest approach d AsteroidExplanation / Answer
vector change in momentum of the spacecraft = m * (v2 - v1)
= 500 * (4500 - 0)
= 2.25 * 106 kg.m/s
far the spacecraft would be = 4500 * 50
= 225 km
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