Solving Astronaut Problem: Force & Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three astronauts using jetpacks to exert forces on a satellite with a mass of 127 kg in space. The forces are given with specific magnitudes and angles, and the goal is to determine the satellite's acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the total force by breaking down the forces into their components and applying Newton's second law. Some participants question the signs of the forces and their directions, particularly regarding opposing vertical forces.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with one offering a hint about the signs of the forces. The original poster appears to have made a correction based on feedback, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster receiving an incorrect answer, which suggests that there may be confusion regarding the setup of the forces and their respective directions.

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Homework Statement



Three astronauts equipped with jetpacks are pushing a satellite, having a mass of 127 kg, through space. The forces being exerted on the satellite are F1=31.7 N at an angle of 30.8 degrees above the horizontal, F2=40.2 N at 58.6 degrees below the horizontal, and F3=53.9 N along the horizontal.

What is the magnitude of the satellite's acceleration?


Homework Equations



okay so i thought of finding the total force and then using f=ma.

The Attempt at a Solution



31.7N : 31.7sin30.8, 31.7cos30.8
40.2N: -40.2sin58.6, -40.2cos58.6
53.9N: 53.9sin0, 53.9cos0

i added the sin together and cos together and used Pythagorean Theorem to find the total force and plug that into the equation and i got the answer wrong so i don't know where it's wrong. Plz help..
 

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What answer did you get? I've worked it out and will compare yours to mine.

Jared
 
Here's a hint, the vertical velocities are opposing each other so one is + and one is - (Sin values are correct). Your problem is you have also made your equation so that the horizontal force of the lower guy (below horizontal) is opposing the other two.

Jared
 
Last edited:
oh! omg..okay i got it it was suppose to be +40.2cos58.6..
tytytytyty!
 
There we go, glad to help.

Jared
 

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