Final speed of a rotating spaceship

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the final speed of a rotating spaceship, specifically the Discovery from the movie 2010. The spaceship experiences an engine burst of 20 kN while rotating at an initial speed of 24,000 km/h. Given the mass of the Discovery at 30,000 kg and a burst duration of 3 minutes, the expected final speed is 24,400 km/h. The user, Susanne, initially applied the kinetic energy formula incorrectly, leading to confusion regarding the calculation of final velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with basic kinematics and acceleration
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy equations
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (e.g., kN to m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using Newton's Second Law
  • Learn how to apply the formula for constant acceleration to calculate final velocity
  • Explore the concept of impulse and momentum in physics
  • Review examples of calculating changes in speed in circular motion scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and kinematics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of applying force and motion principles.

Susanne217
Messages
311
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Lets imagine that in the movie 2010. The Discovery is rotating then they find it. Every time the ship reaches a speed in the circular motion of 24000 km/h the engine gives a burst of energy. Which amounts to 20 kN. The mass of the Discovery is 30.000 kg. The time from the engine gives a burst amounted to the above size to the ships engine going to sleep is 3 minutes.
How do I calculate the extra speed v_final which is achieved by the engine burst after the three minutes. Necletecting all other forces?

Is there a specific formula?

According to my book. the answer is suppsed to be 24400 km/h.

I have to tried to the formula

F = 1/2 \cdot m v_f^2 - 1/2 \cdot m v_i^2

But using that formula I arrive at v_final = v_initial.

What am I doing wrong?

Sincerely
Susanne
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your scenario has the information: acceleration force (20 kN), mass (30 ton) and time (180 seconds); and you want to calculate the resulting change of speed. A way forward could be to figure out how force and mass relates to acceleration and how (constant) acceleration relates to change in speed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 75 ·
3
Replies
75
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
7K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K