What is the mass of the lunar lander using the PhETLunar Lander applet?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the mass of the lunar lander using the PhETLunar Lander applet, users are applying various physics principles, including Newton's second law and conservation laws. Despite multiple attempts, the mass variable cancels out in their calculations, preventing isolation of mass in the equations. Participants suggest that sharing detailed work could help identify errors in the approach. The discussion highlights the challenge of solving for mass when it is not explicitly defined in the equations used. Overall, users are seeking clarity on how to effectively isolate and calculate the mass of the lunar lander.
Danya314
Messages
15
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Using the PhETLunar Lander applet, we are to find the mass of the lunar lander. We know the maximum acceleration of the module's engines and gravitational acceleration of the moon.

Homework Equations


F=ma
mgh=1/2mv^2
f*t=p

The Attempt at a Solution


Everytime I try to symbolically solve for the mass, the mass cancels out. I have tried using Newton's 2nd Law equations, conservation of energy, work-energy, and conservation of momentum. I can't seem to isolate mass on one side of an equation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kind of hard to figure out what you might be doing wrong since you did not post any work for us to look at.
 
phinds said:
Kind of hard to figure out what you might be doing wrong since you did not post any work for us to look at.
What I have done so far isn't wrong, it just isn't getting me the answer I need. Like I said, I can't isolate mass on one side of an equation without cancelling the term out.
 

Attachments

  • help.JPG
    help.JPG
    70.9 KB · Views: 477
Probably be a good idea not to post your work sideways.
 

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Similar threads

Help: Projectile Motion with Forces Problem -- Lunar Lander
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Solving Sub-Problem for OpenAI Lunar Lander v2: Seeking Advice
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Lunar Slingshot Maglev: NASA's Energy Savings for Mars & Beyond
Replies
9
Views
2K
Decending Lunar lander velocity
Replies
5
Views
6K
Lunar lander in orbit around the moon and how much work the thrusters do
Replies
13
Views
9K
How to Calculate Work for Lunar Lander Orbit Change
Replies
7
Views
6K
What is the impact speed of the lunar module?
Replies
8
Views
7K
Problem with pulleys - two fixed and one movable
Replies
22
Views
394
Experimental Design: Pulley and Mass Hangers
Replies
30
Views
3K
Misunderstanding Work-energy theorem and center of mass properties
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top