Calculating Acceleration: 3 Astronauts, 120kg Asteroid & Jetpacks

In summary, the conversation discusses the exertion of forces by 3 astronauts using jetpacks to push a 120kg asteroid. The resulting acceleration is found to be 0.818 m/s^2 in the i direction and -0.163 m/s^2 in the j direction. This is calculated using the equation F1+F2+F3 = ma, with F1 being (32N)i(cos30)+(32N)j(sin30), F2 being (50N)i, and F3 being (41N)i(cos300)+(41N)i(sin300).
  • #1
suspenc3
402
0
3 astronauts propelled by jetpacks are pushing a 120kg asteroid, exerting the forces shown:

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/1194/phys39at.png

Find the acceleration in unit vectore notation!


So Far i have:

F1+F2+F3 = ma
F1=(32N)i(cos30) , (32N)j(sin30)

F2=(50N)i

F3=(41N)i(cos60) , (41N)i(sin60)

do the math and...

0.818m/s(i) - 0.163(j) = a

Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
Assuming the directions of the forces are outward,
F2= 55 i according to your diagram.
For F3, you should use an angle of 360-60=300 degree.
 
  • #3
sorry..typo
i meant it to be -60 degrees
 
  • #4
the numerical answer is correct, but the unit is m/s^2.
 

Related to Calculating Acceleration: 3 Astronauts, 120kg Asteroid & Jetpacks

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How is acceleration calculated?

Acceleration is calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. It can be represented by the formula a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time.

What is the acceleration of the 3 astronauts?

The acceleration of the 3 astronauts can be calculated by dividing the change in their velocity by the change in time. This would depend on factors such as their body weight, the force from the jetpacks, and the direction they are moving in.

How does the 120kg asteroid affect the acceleration of the astronauts?

The 120kg asteroid would exert a gravitational force on the astronauts, which would affect their acceleration. This force would depend on the distance between the astronauts and the asteroid, as well as the mass of the asteroid.

Why is acceleration important in this scenario?

Acceleration is important because it determines how quickly the astronauts can change their velocity and move through space. It also plays a role in the amount of force they experience from the jetpacks and the asteroid, which can affect their movements and trajectory.

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