Magnitude of Initial velocity of Spacecraft

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnitude of the initial velocity of a spacecraft after two engines have fired, providing specific acceleration values and final velocity components in both x and y directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the appropriate equations to use, with some suggesting the use of kinematic equations. There are attempts to calculate the magnitude of the velocity using incorrect methods, and questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of the final velocities and the initial conditions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct formula for calculating the magnitude of a vector, but there is no clear consensus on the next steps or the correct application of the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the distinction between final and initial velocities, and there is confusion regarding the application of the kinematic equations in the context of constant acceleration.

dragon18
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On a spacecraft two engines fire for a time of 572 s. One gives the craft an acceleration in the x direction of ax = 5.15 m/s2, while the other produces an acceleration in the y direction of ay = 7.41 m/s2. At the end of the firing period, the craft has velocity components of vx = 3782 m/s and vy = 4842 m/s. Calculate the magnitude of the initial velocity.


I'm not sure what equations to use.



Attempt
add the square root of 3782 and the square root of 4842
take the square root of the sum 131.082
=11.42 m/s(incorrect)
 
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I'm not sure what equations to use.
This is motion with constant acceleration isn't it?
Use the suvat equations.

Attempt
add the square root of 3782 and the square root of 4842
take the square root of the sum 131.082
You are saying you did: ##\sqrt{\sqrt{v_x}+\sqrt{x_y}}## ?
=11.42 m/s(incorrect)
Well yes - it would be.

1. those numbers are the final velocities
2. the magnitude of a vector is ##|\vec{v}|=\sqrt{v_x^2+v_y^2}##
 
Last edited:
so do I use the equation v=u+at?
 
Try it and see.
 
which number do I use though? It keeps telling me its wrong no matter what I put
 
Please show your working.
 

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