PDA

View Full Version : astronaut and wrench


tigerseye
Nov21-04, 01:41 PM
This problem is driving me insane:
An astronaut is initially at rest, at a distance x_1 from the spaceship. She hurls a wrench with a speed v, relative to the spaceship. Find the final distance x_2 between the spaceship and the wrench using some or all of the variables given.

arildno
Nov21-04, 02:00 PM
Only internal forces act upon system astronaut+wrench.
Hence, since the C.M. of this system is at rest relative to the spaceship initially, it (the C.M) will remain at the same position throughout the period.
That is, the C.M of astronaut+wrench will remain at the distance x1 from the spaceship.

senseandsanity
Nov21-04, 02:39 PM
Aren't they looking for the final distance x_2 after the wrench was thrown? So wouldn't you need to first find x_1 and delta x to find x_2?

tigerseye
Nov21-04, 05:28 PM
I'm still not getting the right answer..any other suggestions?

arildno
Nov22-04, 06:13 AM
I don't know how you're not getting the right answer.
Post your work.