Calculating Momentum Change for Rocket Course Alteration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to momentum change for a rocket altering its course in outer space. The scenario involves calculating the mass of gas that must be expelled to achieve a specific change in direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring how to calculate the momentum change required for the rocket's course alteration. There are hints about considering the momentum expelled and the momentum added in the perpendicular direction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and prompting further exploration of the problem. There is no clear consensus yet, as some participants express their own difficulties while others suggest lines of reasoning to consider.

Contextual Notes

The original problem is taken directly from a textbook, and there is a mention of the need for a detailed explanation, indicating that participants are navigating through the complexities of the problem rather than seeking direct answers.

daxter17
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Hey, I've been having trouble with the following question, and I've tried all I can think of and still can't get it. Your help is much appreciated.

"A rocket with a total mass of 3700kg is traveling in outer space with a velocity of 110m/s towards the sun. It wishes to alter its course by 35.0 degrees, and can do this by firing its rockets briefly in direction perpendicular to its original motion. If the rocket gases are expelled at a speed of 1900m/s, how much gas mass must be expelled?"

I already know the answer, its just a matter of getting to the answer that I have trouble with. A detailed explanation in other words.
 
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Hi daxter17! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Hint: how much momentum is being expelled per second? :wink:
 
It doesn't say really that's the question right out of the textbook. Wish I could help more but I'm stuck myself.
 
daxter17 said:
"A rocket with a total mass of 3700kg is traveling in outer space with a velocity of 110m/s towards the sun. It wishes to alter its course by 35.0 degrees, and can do this by firing its rockets briefly in direction perpendicular to its original motion.

ok, so how much momentum is added in that perpendicular direction? :smile:
 

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