Question

A 65-kg astronaut pushes against the inside back wall of a 2000kg spaceship and moves toward the front. Her speed increases from 0 to 1.6 m/s If her push lasta 0.3 seconds what is the average force that the astronaut exerts on the wall of the spaceship?? If the spaceship was initially at rest, with what speed does it recoil? What was the object of reference that you used to answer parts a and b?

Answer 1

a. V = Vo + a*t.
1.6 = 0 + a*0.3, a = 5.33 m/s^2.

F = M*a = 65 * 5.33 = 346.7 N.

Answer 2

Avergae Force=Impluse/time
Impulse=m(vf-vi) so 65(1.6)
Impulse=104
Average Force=104/.3 which is 346.67 N
(This is another way)

2nd part is asking for velocity not acceleration