Momentum in Space - How long will it take?

In summary, the astronaut, weighing 66kg, becomes separated from the shuttle while on a space walk and finds herself 45.3m away from the shuttle with zero speed. She throws a .912kg camera at a speed of 12m/s in the opposite direction to reach the shuttle. Using the equation for momentum and velocity, the astronaut will reach the shuttle in approximately 4.6 minutes.
  • #1
trinity8486
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Momentum in Space --- How long will it take..?

Homework Statement



A 66kg astronaut becomes separated from the shuttle while on a space walk. She finds herself 45.3m away from the shuttle and moving with zero speed relative to the shuttle. She has a .912kg camera in her hand and decides to get back to the shuttle by throwing the camera at a speed of 12m/s in the opposite direction. How long will it take her to reach the shuttle? Answer in mins.

Homework Equations


p=m*v
m1*v1=m2*v2
v=d/t


The Attempt at a Solution


Since it is in space, I know that the momentum of the camera will equal that of the astronaut. So MassofCamera * VelocityOfCamera = MassOfAstronaut * VelocityOfAstronaut.
.912kg*12m/s=66kg*v2
v2= .165281m/s
Velocity is distance divided by time, so time = distance/velocity.
45.3m/.165281m/s = 274s = 4.6min. According to the quest homework system, this answer is wrong. Please help!
 
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  • #2


Try checking your arithmetic - everything else looks fine
 

1. How is momentum defined in space?

Momentum in space is defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity. It is a measure of how difficult it is to stop or change the direction of an object's motion.

2. How does momentum play a role in space travel?

Momentum is crucial in space travel because it determines how much energy is needed to accelerate or decelerate a spacecraft. A spacecraft with a higher momentum will require more energy to change its course or come to a stop.

3. How is momentum conserved in space?

Momentum is conserved in space just as it is on Earth. This means that the total momentum of a system will remain constant as long as there are no external forces acting on it. This principle is vital in understanding the motion of objects in space.

4. Can the momentum of a spacecraft be changed?

Yes, the momentum of a spacecraft can be changed through various methods such as using thrusters, gravitational assist from other celestial bodies, or aerobraking. However, changing the momentum of a spacecraft requires a significant amount of energy.

5. How long will it take for a spacecraft to reach its destination in space?

The time it takes for a spacecraft to reach its destination in space depends on various factors such as the distance to the destination, the speed of the spacecraft, and the type of propulsion system used. It could take anywhere from a few months to several years to reach a destination in space.

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