Distance Homework: Find the Distance Travelled by Starship

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In summary, a Federation starship with a mass of 1.90×10^6 kg uses a constant force of 4.0 x 10^4 N from its tractor beam to pull a shuttlecraft with a mass of 2.00×10^4 kg from a distance of 11.0 km away. Both spacecraft are initially at rest and the center of mass is not specified in the problem. When the tractor beam is activated, the starship and shuttlecraft will travel the same distance as they did before the tractor beam was activated, with the center of mass being in the middle of the two ships.
  • #1
lvelar
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Homework Statement



A Federation starship ( 1.90×10^6 kg) uses its tractor beam to pull a shuttlecraft ( 2.00×10^4 kg) aboard from a distance of 11.0 km away. The tractor beam exerts a constant force of 4.0 x 10^4 N on the shuttlecraft. Both spacecraft are initially at rest.

How far does the starship move as it pulls the shuttlecraft aboard?
 
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  • #2
lvelar said:

Homework Statement



A Federation starship ( 1.90×10^6 kg) uses its tractor beam to pull a shuttlecraft ( 2.00×10^4 kg) aboard from a distance of 11.0 km away. The tractor beam exerts a constant force of 4.0 x 10^4 N on the shuttlecraft. Both spacecraft are initially at rest.

How far does the starship move as it pulls the shuttlecraft aboard?

Where is the center of mass of the two ship system?
 
  • #3
It didn't specify in the problem.
 
  • #4
lvelar said:
It didn't specify in the problem.

Actually I was suggesting you figure it out.

When the tractor beam pulls the ship on board won't the center of mass then be in the middle of the mother ship?

By action reaction - no net external forces - how far each is before the tractor is switched on is how far they will travel then, right?
 

FAQ: Distance Homework: Find the Distance Travelled by Starship

1. How do you calculate the distance travelled by a starship?

The distance travelled by a starship can be calculated by multiplying the speed of the starship by the time it has travelled for. This calculation is known as the distance formula: distance = speed x time.

2. What is the unit of measurement used for distance travelled by a starship?

The unit of measurement used for distance travelled by a starship is typically in light years, which is the distance that light travels in one year. This is the most commonly used unit for measuring vast distances in space.

3. Can the distance travelled by a starship be affected by external factors?

Yes, the distance travelled by a starship can be affected by external factors such as gravitational pull from other celestial bodies, space debris, and even the curvature of space-time. These factors can alter the trajectory and speed of the starship, ultimately affecting the distance it travels.

4. How accurate are the calculations for distance travelled by a starship?

The accuracy of the calculations for distance travelled by a starship depends on the accuracy of the speed and time measurements. If these measurements are precise, then the calculated distance travelled should also be accurate. However, external factors and human error can affect the accuracy of the calculations.

5. Can the distance travelled by a starship be calculated using other units of measurement?

Yes, the distance travelled by a starship can also be calculated using other units of measurement such as astronomical units (AU), kilometers (km), or miles (mi). However, light years are the most commonly used unit for measuring large distances in space.

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