Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - Part 2 - A

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. \(380\; m/s\)]

Accumulated Solution

Diagram A

Correct.

A non-isolated system is one in which forces from outside the system act on the system. There are no external forces acting on the spaceship and its tank. Therefore the system is isolated.

In an isolated system

(A)   Energy

(B)   Momentum

is conserved.