Find final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank

In summary, the astronaut on a space walk was able to throw a 11.0 kg oxygen tank away from the shuttle with a speed of 11.7 m/s. This propelled the astronaut back to the shuttle. To find the final speed of the astronaut, the principle of conservation of momentum can be applied by equating the mass of the oxygen tank multiplied by its speed to the mass of the astronaut multiplied by its speed.
  • #1
b40677
1
0
A 64.1 kg astronaut is on a space walk when the tether line to the shuttle breaks. The astronaut is able to throw a 11.0 kg oxygen tank in a direction away from the shuttle with a speed of 11.7 m/s propelling the astronaut back to the shuttle. Assuming the astronaut starts from rest, find final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank. Answer in units of m/s
 
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  • #2
What principle do you think you should apply?
 
  • #3
b40677 said:
The astronaut is able to throw a 11.0 kg oxygen tank in a direction away from the shuttle with a speed of 11.7 m/s
Damn that's fast! Are you sure its not like 1.17 m/s or is the question just stupid? :biggrin:
 
  • #4
:rolleyes: ok here you go

use: Conservation of momentum

mass of oxygen tank X speed of oxygen tank = mass of astronaut X speed of astronaut
 

Related to Find final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank

1. What is the equation for finding the final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank?

The equation for finding the final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank is v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time elapsed.

2. Why is it important to consider the mass of the tank when calculating the final speed of the astronaut?

The mass of the tank affects the overall momentum of the system, as the astronaut and the tank together make up the system. Therefore, the final speed of the astronaut will be influenced by the mass of the tank.

3. How does the initial velocity of the tank affect the final speed of the astronaut?

The initial velocity of the tank contributes to the overall momentum of the system, which in turn affects the final speed of the astronaut. A higher initial velocity of the tank will result in a higher final speed for the astronaut.

4. What role does the acceleration due to gravity play in the calculation of the final speed of the astronaut?

The acceleration due to gravity is a constant force that acts on both the tank and the astronaut, and it affects the rate at which the velocity changes. Therefore, it is an important factor to consider when calculating the final speed of the astronaut after throwing the tank.

5. Is there a maximum final speed that the astronaut can reach after throwing the tank?

Yes, there is a maximum final speed that the astronaut can reach after throwing the tank. This is because the force exerted by the astronaut on the tank can only accelerate it up to a certain speed, and after that, the force will be balanced by air resistance and other factors, resulting in a constant final speed for the astronaut.

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