PLease help on these 2 questions (momentum-impulse fans here)

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The discussion revolves around two physics problems involving an astronaut's momentum when throwing objects. In the first scenario, an 80 kg astronaut throws a 20 kg bag forward at 6 m/s while moving at 2 m/s toward a station, prompting calculations for his final velocity and direction. The second scenario involves the astronaut, moving at 0.15 m/s, throwing a 2.5 kg rock to stop, requiring the calculation of the rock's necessary speed. Participants emphasize the importance of applying the conservation of momentum principle and consistently using signs for velocity. The conversation highlights the need for clear calculations and understanding of momentum, with some confusion about the application of formulas.
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Please help

An astronaut , 80 KG, is carrying a bag which is 20 KG, walking at a speed of 2 M/S toward a station, He throw the 20 KG bag forward at 6 M/s, what is his final velocity and direction(away from station, toward station)

heres another one

an astronaut is walking at .15 M/S toward a station, he wants to stop, he throws a 2.5 KG rock toward the station , what does a speed of the rock have to be in order for him to stop, thanks

:-p :-p :biggrin: :rolleyes:
 
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The total momentum is always conserved.
Before the astronaut throws the rock, the total momentum is:
p=(m_a+m_b)v
where m_a is the mass of the astronaut and m_b the mass of the bag.
What is the total momentum after the astronaut has thrown the rock?

Same reasoning applies to the second question.
 
Galileo,u mixed the bag with the rock and hence the problems :-p

Now,after the precious indications given,which could have been put into 4 simple words "APPLY CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM",what are the results...?

Daniel.
 
Dmt669 said:
Please help

An astronaut , 80 KG, is carrying a bag which is 20 KG, walking at a speed of 2 M/S toward a station, He throw the 20 KG bag forward at 6 M/s, what is his final velocity and direction(away from station, toward station)

heres another one

an astronaut is walking at .15 M/S toward a station, he wants to stop, he throws a 2.5 KG rock toward the station , what does a speed of the rock have to be in order for him to stop, thanks

:-p :-p :biggrin: :rolleyes:

Apply conservation of momentum, taking care to make sure the signs of the velocities are consistently applied. And show your thoughts and working first.
 
Galileo said:
The total momentum is always conserved.
Before the astronaut throws the rock, the total momentum is:
p=(m_a+m_b)v
where m_a is the mass of the astronaut and m_b the mass of the bag.
What is the total momentum after the astronaut has thrown the rock?

Same reasoning applies to the second question.

i am having trouble finding the final velocity of the astronaut though
 
Dmt669 said:
i am having trouble finding the final velocity of the astronaut though

In the first problem, take the direction of travel toward the station as positive.

What is the initial momentum of the astronaut-bag combo ?

What is the final momentum of the bag ?

Therefore what is the final momentum of the astronaut ? Hence what is the final velocity of the astronaut ?

Do the second problem with the same basic principles.
 
Curious3141 said:
In the first problem, take the direction of travel toward the station as positive.

What is the initial momentum of the astronaut-bag combo ?

What is the final momentum of the bag ?

Therefore what is the final momentum of the astronaut ? Hence what is the final velocity of the astronaut ?

Do the second problem with the same basic principles.

WHAT Formula should I use
 
Dmt669 said:
WHAT Formula should I use

Do you mean to say that you don't know the definition of momentum ? You've never learned p = mv ?
 
is the answer to the first [roblem 4 m/s backwards
 
  • #10
Dmt669 said:
is the answer to the first [roblem 4 m/s backwards

That is not correct. Show the working please.
 
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