Newton III problem involving two objects in space

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an astronaut pushing off a satellite in space, applying a force and calculating the resulting distances after a specified time. The context is rooted in Newton's Third Law of Motion and kinematic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's laws and kinematic equations, with one participant attempting to calculate accelerations and distances. Questions arise regarding the specifics of the problem statement and what is being asked.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the problem and explore the calculations involved. Guidance is provided on using kinematics to determine speeds after the push, and there is acknowledgment of the accelerations calculated during the push phase.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the initial conditions, such as the initial velocity being zero and the time frame for the astronaut's push. There is also mention of the need to calculate distances after the push has concluded.

angotta
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Homework Statement



An 93.0 spacewalking astronaut pushes off a 620 satellite, exerting a 120 force for the 0.470 it takes him to straighten his arms

Homework Equations



FA on S=FS on A
Xf=Xi+Vi\Deltat+1/2a(\Deltat)2


Those are the equations I think I use. And initial velocity should be zero, also for time I subtracted the time of the astronaut pushing off the total time

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the acceleration of the astronaut to be 1.29
and the acceleration of the satellite to be 0.194

Then I tried to fill those into the kinematic equations but I got a way large answer. I just need some guidance on where to start and such.
 
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Please state the problem exactly as given. What are you asked to find?
 
Im sorry we are asked to find how far apart are the astronaut and the satellite are after 1.50 ?
 
angotta said:
I found the acceleration of the astronaut to be 1.29
and the acceleration of the satellite to be 0.194
Good. Those are the accelerations during the push. Now use kinematics to solve for how fast they are going at the end of the push.

(Once the push is over, they move at constant speed. Then you can calculate how far they get from the starting point.)
 
Thank you I found the answer to be 62.8 m which was correct.
 
Ah Newton the Third, his laws are much less well known than his grandfather's though ;)
 

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