Question

If the astronaut from question #9 collides with a satellite and comes to a complete stop, where did his momentum go? Explain this in terms of conservation of momentum.

Answer 1

Answer:

    m v ´- MV = (m + M) v ’

Explanation:

If the astronaut initially has a speed v the satellite has a speed V, we can define a system that is formed by the two bodies, therefore the forces during the collision are internal, so the momentum is conserved

initial instant. Before the crash

          p₀ = m v - MV

final instatne. After the crash, we have two cases

1) inelastic shock

          m_f = (m + M) v '

          p₀ = p_f

         m v ´- MV = (m + M) v ’

2) elastic collision with the astronaut's velocity, zero in this case the moment remains

        m v - MV = mv ’+ Mv’

also the kinetic energy is conserved

       mv'2 + M V2 = mv'2 + m v'2

with these two equations we can find the speed of the cars