Speed of a rocket between 2 asteroids

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the speed of the Millennium Eagle spaceship as it moves between two asteroids, given its mass and the mass of the asteroids. Participants suggest using a force diagram to understand the gravitational forces acting on the spaceship, which will cause it to accelerate. There is confusion regarding the problem's parameters, with some users feeling that essential data may be missing. The importance of gravitational potential energy in determining the spaceship's speed is highlighted as a key concept. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of the forces involved in the scenario.
irrek
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As part of a daring rescue attempt, the Millennium Eagle passes between a pair of twin asteroids, as shown . If the mass of the spaceship is 2.50 *10^7 kg and the mass of each asteroid is 4.49×10^11 kg


A picture is shown here:
http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz233/iirreek/?action=view&current=Walker4ech12Pr050.jpg

If the Millennium Eagle is at rest at point A, what is its speed at point B? Treat the spaceship and the asteroids as if they were point objects.

I've looked through my textbook and I have no idea where to start, I've gone through a couple of the velocity equations and those aren't doing anything for me.
Help, I'm so confused!
 
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irrek said:
As part of a daring rescue attempt, the Millennium Eagle passes between a pair of twin asteroids, as shown . If the mass of the spaceship is 2.50 *10^7 kg and the mass of each asteroid is 4.49×10^11 kg


A picture is shown here:
http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz233/iirreek/?action=view&current=Walker4ech12Pr050.jpg

If the Millennium Eagle is at rest at point A, what is its speed at point B? Treat the spaceship and the asteroids as if they were point objects.

I've looked through my textbook and I have no idea where to start, I've gone through a couple of the velocity equations and those aren't doing anything for me.
Help, I'm so confused!

Hello there iirreeek!

First i have to suggest you to draw a force diagram, why?.It is because the gravitational force between astoreids and the ship is the thing that is going to put millenium falcon* oops eagle ;) into motion, obviosly it is going to be a motion with acceleration since there is a net force acting on the ship.If you draw a free body diagram it will be much more clear to you, feel free to ask further if you are still stuck

Cryphonus.
 
Hint: What's conserved in this situation?
 
I have no clue. I've been doing this homework set for a couple hours and my brain is just dead
 
There seems to be some data missing from the question.

Unless the Eagle simply falls toward the asteroids by gravity...

Is that the idea?
 
DaveC426913 said:
There seems to be some data missing from the question.

Unless the Eagle simply falls toward the asteroids by gravity...

Is that the idea?
That's what I presume. (But note the rocket jets that appear in the diagram. :rolleyes:)

Is the problem posted exactly, word for word, as it was given?
 
I think so
 
Look up how to compute and use gravitational potential energy between masses.
 
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