Rocket Pushing Box in Empty Space

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a scenario where a rocket is pushing a box in empty space, exploring the forces involved and the resulting motion of both objects. Participants are examining the nature of the interactions between the rocket and the box, particularly in the context of collisions and energy transfer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces at play, including electromagnetic forces and the effects of collisions. Questions arise regarding the nature of the motion, the concept of energy loss, and whether the interactions can be considered elastic. Some participants seek clarification on the original poster's explanation and its correctness.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided insights into the mechanics of the situation, while others express confusion about the initial question. There is a recognition of the complexities involved, particularly regarding energy dynamics and the behavior of the system over time.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of resistance forces in the scenario, which influences the discussion about motion and energy transfer. The original poster indicates a lack of familiarity with collision types, which may affect the depth of the analysis.

adjacent
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This is actually not a homework but it looks like one.So I posted here

Homework Statement


A rocket is pushing a box on empty space.
The rocket is exerting a force on the blue colored box.In turn the box is exerting the same force on the rocket.The engine(or fire or whatever) it exerting a force on the rocket..

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


At first the rocket gets close to the box,as it gets closer,the electromagnetic force builds up(the box starts to move) until the force from the engine and electro balance.The rocket moves at a constant velocity even closer to the box the electomagnetic force now exceeds the engine force and move at more acceleration.Again the rocket contacts and do the same.Will it keep bouncing like that if there were no energy loss?
And is my explanation right at the first place?

What would be a better explanation.I haven't studied such types of collision yet(or any types).So please be descriptive.o:)
 

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hi adjacent! :smile:
adjacent said:
A rocket is pushing a box on empty space.
The rocket is exerting a force on the blue colored box.In turn the box is exerting the same force on the rocket.The engine(or fire or whatever) it exerting a force on the rocket..

sorry, i don't understand what the question is asking for :confused:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi adjacent! :smile:


sorry, i don't understand what the question is asking for :confused:
Just imagine that a person(Stationary) is observing a rocket driving a box across the empty space(No resistance forces.)
What Explanation could the observer give?
Is my explanation correct?
 
I doubt it. It doesn't make any sense.
 
If the box is not fixed "in space" in any way, it will be pushed by the rocket, with increasing velocity, till the rocket runs out of fuel. Then they will travel with some constant velocities, and the box will have a slightly greater velocity that the rocket. Why that is so is left as an exercise to the reader.

During the initial impact and shortly after, there will be oscillations in the box-rocket system. Also an exercise.
 
voko said:
During the initial impact and shortly after, there will be oscillations in the box-rocket system. Also an exercise.
Yes this was what I was asking for.Sorry if it did not make any sense.
Why do you think the bouncing stops,because it(collistion)loses energy?
 
At first the rocket gets close to the box,as it gets closer,the electromagnetic force builds up(the box starts to move) until the force from the engine and electro balance.The rocket moves at a constant velocity even closer to the box the electomagnetic force now exceeds the engine force and move at more acceleration.Again the rocket contacts and do the same.Will it keep bouncing like that if there were no energy loss?
And is my explanation right at the first place?

So in short you have an accelerating object (a rocket) colliding (elastically) with another object (the box).

As long as the collision is elastic then yes it will keep bouncing off.

Not sure what happens if the combination approaches the speed of light :-)
 
adjacent said:
Yes this was what I was asking for.Sorry if it did not make any sense.
Why do you think the bouncing stops,because it(collistion)loses energy?

Yes.
 
Thank you all so much
 

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