Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum

A space vehicle and its fuel tank are moving with a velocity of $350\; m/s$ toward a space station. The fuel tank is then jettisoned to the rear so that its velocity is only $250\; m/s$ toward the station. What is the new speed of the space vehicle? The mass of the vehicle is $3.25$ times that of the tank. [Ans. $380\; m/s$]

Note: When we are finished with the solution to this problem I will lead you through an alternative but quite equivalent solution.

In questions of this type it is a good idea to make simple drawings of the "before" and "after" situations. Which pair properly represents this problem?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)