PLease help on these 2 questions (momentum-impulse fans here)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two problems involving momentum and impulse in a physics context. The first problem involves an astronaut throwing a bag while walking toward a station, and the second problem involves the astronaut throwing a rock to stop his forward motion. Both scenarios require an understanding of momentum conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum as a key principle for solving the problems. Questions are raised about the initial and final momentum of the astronaut and the objects being thrown. Some participants express confusion about the calculations and the application of momentum definitions.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problems, with participants attempting to clarify the steps needed to find the final velocities. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of momentum conservation, but there is no explicit consensus on the answers yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to show their working and thoughts, and there is a note about ensuring consistent application of velocity signs. Some participants express uncertainty about the formulas and definitions related to momentum.

Dmt669
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Please help

An astronaut , 80 KG, is carrying a bag which is 20 KG, walking at a speed of 2 M/S toward a station, He throw the 20 KG bag forward at 6 M/s, what is his final velocity and direction(away from station, toward station)

heres another one

an astronaut is walking at .15 M/S toward a station, he wants to stop, he throws a 2.5 KG rock toward the station , what does a speed of the rock have to be in order for him to stop, thanks

:-p :-p :biggrin: :rolleyes:
 
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The total momentum is always conserved.
Before the astronaut throws the rock, the total momentum is:
[tex]p=(m_a+m_b)v[/tex]
where [itex]m_a[/itex] is the mass of the astronaut and [itex]m_b[/itex] the mass of the bag.
What is the total momentum after the astronaut has thrown the rock?

Same reasoning applies to the second question.
 
Galileo,u mixed the bag with the rock and hence the problems :-p

Now,after the precious indications given,which could have been put into 4 simple words "APPLY CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM",what are the results...?

Daniel.
 
Dmt669 said:
Please help

An astronaut , 80 KG, is carrying a bag which is 20 KG, walking at a speed of 2 M/S toward a station, He throw the 20 KG bag forward at 6 M/s, what is his final velocity and direction(away from station, toward station)

heres another one

an astronaut is walking at .15 M/S toward a station, he wants to stop, he throws a 2.5 KG rock toward the station , what does a speed of the rock have to be in order for him to stop, thanks

:-p :-p :biggrin: :rolleyes:

Apply conservation of momentum, taking care to make sure the signs of the velocities are consistently applied. And show your thoughts and working first.
 
Galileo said:
The total momentum is always conserved.
Before the astronaut throws the rock, the total momentum is:
[tex]p=(m_a+m_b)v[/tex]
where [itex]m_a[/itex] is the mass of the astronaut and [itex]m_b[/itex] the mass of the bag.
What is the total momentum after the astronaut has thrown the rock?

Same reasoning applies to the second question.

i am having trouble finding the final velocity of the astronaut though
 
Dmt669 said:
i am having trouble finding the final velocity of the astronaut though

In the first problem, take the direction of travel toward the station as positive.

What is the initial momentum of the astronaut-bag combo ?

What is the final momentum of the bag ?

Therefore what is the final momentum of the astronaut ? Hence what is the final velocity of the astronaut ?

Do the second problem with the same basic principles.
 
Curious3141 said:
In the first problem, take the direction of travel toward the station as positive.

What is the initial momentum of the astronaut-bag combo ?

What is the final momentum of the bag ?

Therefore what is the final momentum of the astronaut ? Hence what is the final velocity of the astronaut ?

Do the second problem with the same basic principles.

WHAT Formula should I use
 
Dmt669 said:
WHAT Formula should I use

Do you mean to say that you don't know the definition of momentum ? You've never learned [itex]p = mv[/itex] ?
 
is the answer to the first [roblem 4 m/s backwards
 
  • #10
Dmt669 said:
is the answer to the first [roblem 4 m/s backwards

That is not correct. Show the working please.
 

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