Question

The space probe Deep Space I was launched on October 24, 1998. It's mass was 474 kg. The goal of the mission was to test a new kind of engine called an ion propulsion drive. This engine generated only a weak thrust, but it could do so over long periods of time with the consumption of only small amounts of fuel. The mission was spectacularly successful. At a thrust of 52 mN how many days were required for the probe to attain a velocity of 880 m/s (1969 mi/h), assuming that the probe started from rest and that the mass remained nearly constant?

Answer 1

f = m * a ___ a = f / m

a = .052 N / 474 kg

v = a * t ___ t = v / a

t = 880 m/s / (.052 N / 474 kg)

t will be in sec__convert to days