To solve this problem, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the tank is thrown is equal to the total momentum after the tank is thrown.
Let's denote the astronaut's final speed with respect to the shuttle as v. The initial momentum of the system (astronaut + tank) is 0 since the astronaut starts from rest with respect to the shuttle.
Initial momentum: 0 = (63.0 kg)(0 m/s) + (10.0 kg)(12.0 m/s)
Final momentum: (63.0 kg + 10.0 kg)v
Setting the initial momentum equal to the final momentum:
(10.0 kg)(12.0 m/s) = (73.0 kg)v
Solving for v:
v = (10.0 kg)(12.0 m/s) / 73.0 kg
v ≈ 1.64 m/s
Therefore, the astronaut's final speed with respect to the shuttle after the tank is thrown is approximately 1.64 m/s.
A 63.0 kg astronaut is on a spacewalk when the tether line to the shuttle breaks. The astronaut is able to throw a spare 10.0 kg oxygen tank in a direction away from the shuttle with a speed of 12.0 m/s, propelling the astronaut back to the shuttle. Assuming that the astronaut starts from rest o with respect to the shuttle, find the astronaut's final speed with respect to the shuttle after the tank is thrown.
1 answer