An experiment is performed aboard the International Space Station to verify that

Question

An experiment is performed aboard the International Space Station to verify that linear momentum is conserved during collisions in a zero-g environment. The experiment involves a 3-D completely inelastic collision of three drops of honey. At the moment just before they all collide, the masses and velocities of the drops are

m1 = 31.5 g V1 = (12.7 m/s)x

m2 = 49.9 g V2 = (12.5 m/s)y

m3 = 78.1 g V3 = (15.9 m/s)z

What is your prediction for the speed, V, of the combined honey drop after the collision?

V = _______________________ m/s

Explanation / Answer

m1 = 31.5 g V1 = (12.7 m/s)x
m2 = 49.9 g V2 = (12.5 m/s)y
m3 = 78.1 g V3 = (15.9 m/s)z
(m1+ m2+ m3) = 31.5+ 49.9+ 78.1 = 159.5
momentum conservation
X - direction
m1 x V1 = (m1+ m2+ m3) Vx
Vx = (31.5 x 12.7)/159.5
Vx = 2.51 m/s

Y - direction
m2 x V2 = (m1+ m2+ m3) Vy
Vy =( 49.9 x 12.5 )/159.5
Vy = 3.91m/s

Z - direction
Vz =( 78.1 x 15.9 )/159.5
Vz = 7.79m/s

combined honey drop V = 2.51 i^ +3.91 j^+ 7.79 k^
V = root of 2.51^2 + 3.91^2 + 7.79^2
V= 9.07 m/s <------------ans

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.