Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - Part 6

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.

Using the notation of the drawing, what are the "before" and "after" momenta?

Solution Before After
(A) \((m_1 + m_2)v \) \(m_1 \;v + m_2\; v\)
(B) \((m_1 + m_2)v\) \(m_1\; v_{1}{'} + m_2\; v_{2}{ }'\)
(C) \((m_1\; m_2)v \) \(m_1\; v_{1}{'} + m_2\; v_{2}{'}\)
(D) \((m_1 + m_2)v\) \((m_1\; v_1{'})( m_2\; v_2{'})\)