Solve Superman's Recoil Velocity | Physics Problem Explanation

[leehana10]

Homework Statement

Comic-strip hero Superman meets an asteroid in outer space and hurls it at 800 m/s, as fast as a bullet. The asteroid is a thousand times more massive than Superman. In the strip, Superman is seen at rest after the throw. Taking physics into account, what would be his recoil velocity?

What is a recoil velocity and how do I solve this problem? I would highly appreciate your contribution.

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi leehana10! welcome to pf!

What is a recoil velocity and how do I solve this problem? I would highly appreciate your contribution.

recoil is what guns (and cannon) used to do …

the gun kicks backward into your shoulder, so as to conserve momentum when the bullet flies forward …

in this case, the question is simply asking for the (ordinary) velocity of Superman (and you should use conservation of momentum)

 

[supratim1]

hello leehana10! welcome to Physics forums!

from conservation of momentum, the velocity that superman will have is the recoil velocity of superman.