Question

A 68.5 kg astronaut is doing a repair in space on the orbiting space station. He throws a 2.25 kg tool with a speed of 3.20 m / s relative to the space station. With what speed and direction will the astronaut begin to move?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Momentum is conserved.

m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂

Initially, both the astronaut and the tool are at rest, so u₁ = u₂ = 0 m/s.

After throwing the tool, the tool has a velocity of v₂ = 3.20 m/s.

(68.5 kg) (0 m/s) + (2.25 kg) (0 m/s) = (68.5 kg) v + (2.25 kg) (3.20 m/s)

0 = (68.5 kg) v + 7.2 kg m/s

v = -0.105 m/s

The astronaut moves at a speed of 0.105 m/s in the opposite direction.