Force and Simple Dynamics: Pushy Astronaut

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics problem involving an astronaut of mass 65 kg pushing off a satellite of mass 420 kg with a force of 120 N for 0.94 seconds. The astronaut achieves a speed of 1.84 m/s, while the satellite reaches a speed of 0.268 m/s after separation. The calculations for distance apart after one minute were incorrectly derived, leading to a misunderstanding of the separation distance. The correct approach involves using the kinematic equations accurately to determine the distances traveled by both the astronaut and the satellite.

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  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Basic knowledge of force, mass, and acceleration
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations in physics
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  • Learn about kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
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Homework Statement


An astronaut of mass 65 kg pushes off a satellite of mass 420 kg, exerting a force of 120 N for the 0.94 s they are in contact.

Homework Equations


What is the speed of the astronaut after they have separated?
Ans: 1.84 m/s
What is the speed of the satellite after they have separated?
Ans: .268 m/s
How far apart are they after 1 minute?
d=? m

The Attempt at a Solution


This is my attempt. I used the position as a function of time formula:
x = x_0 + v_0 t + (1/2) a t^2
For the astronaut: x= 0+0+.5(1.84 m/s^2)(60 s)^2= 3312 m
For the satelite: x= 0+0+.5(.268 m/s^2)(60)^2= 513 m
In order to get the separation, i subtracted the two and got 2799 m. But this is incorrect according to my online homework program. did i make a mistake or use the wrong formula?
 
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What is the speed of the astronaut after they have separated?
Ans: 1.84 m/s
What is the speed of the satellite after they have separated?
Ans: .268 m/s

How did you get these two values?
 
accelration of satelite=F/m=120N/420kg=0.285m/s^2
accelration of astronaut=F/m=120N/65kg=1.84 m/s^2

To find velocity, i used the velocity as a function of time equation:
V=V0+at

astronaut: V=0+1.84 m/s^2(0.94s)=1.74 m/s
satelite: V=0+0.285 m/s^2(0.94s)=0.268 m/s
 

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