What is the distance between the astronaut and the satellite after 1.0 min?

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An astronaut pushes off a satellite, exerting a force of 100 N for 0.5 seconds, resulting in different accelerations due to their masses. The astronaut accelerates at 1.25 m/s², while the satellite accelerates at 0.156 m/s². The distances traveled by both after 1 minute were incorrectly calculated using the total time instead of considering the initial push duration. The correct approach shows that after the initial acceleration phase, they do not continue to accelerate, leading to a total separation distance of 42 meters. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying physics principles, particularly regarding acceleration and time.
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Homework Statement


An 80 kg spacewalking astronaut pushes off a 640 kg satellite, exerting a 100 N force for the 0.50s it takes him to straighten him his arms. How far apart are the astronaut and the satellite after 1.0 min?

2. The attempt at a solution
F = Ma. Two different masses and two different accelerations. Because of Newton's 3rd law we know that the force the astronaut exerts on the satellite is equal to the force the satellite exerts on the astronaut.

F = (80)aastronaut
aastronaut = 1.25 m/s^2

F = 640kg(asatellite
asatellite = 640/100 = 0.156 m/s^2

Distance astronaut travels:
D = (1/2)(1.25)60^2 = 2250 m
D = (1/2)(.156)60^2 = 281.25 m

Total distance I got was ^ = 2531m, which is way wrong.
The correct answer is 42 m. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
 
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You applied the equation: D = 1/2 a t^2.

You put in a time of 60 seconds into this formula. After 1/2 sec of initial push, are they still accelerating?
 
Ugh...what a stupid mistake. Thanks.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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