What is the mass of the lunar lander using the PhETLunar Lander applet?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the mass of the lunar lander using the PhETLunar Lander applet, users are applying various physics principles, including Newton's second law and conservation laws. Despite multiple attempts, the mass variable cancels out in their calculations, preventing isolation of mass in the equations. Participants suggest that sharing detailed work could help identify errors in the approach. The discussion highlights the challenge of solving for mass when it is not explicitly defined in the equations used. Overall, users are seeking clarity on how to effectively isolate and calculate the mass of the lunar lander.
Danya314
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Homework Statement


Using the PhETLunar Lander applet, we are to find the mass of the lunar lander. We know the maximum acceleration of the module's engines and gravitational acceleration of the moon.

Homework Equations


F=ma
mgh=1/2mv^2
f*t=p

The Attempt at a Solution


Everytime I try to symbolically solve for the mass, the mass cancels out. I have tried using Newton's 2nd Law equations, conservation of energy, work-energy, and conservation of momentum. I can't seem to isolate mass on one side of an equation.
 
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Kind of hard to figure out what you might be doing wrong since you did not post any work for us to look at.
 
phinds said:
Kind of hard to figure out what you might be doing wrong since you did not post any work for us to look at.
What I have done so far isn't wrong, it just isn't getting me the answer I need. Like I said, I can't isolate mass on one side of an equation without cancelling the term out.
 

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Probably be a good idea not to post your work sideways.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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