Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - Part 6

A space vehicle and its fuel tank are moving with a velocity of 350m/s toward a space station. The fuel tank is then jettisoned to the rear so that its velocity is only 250m/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. 380m/s]


Accumulated Solution

Diagram A


Correct.

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

Solution Before After
(A) (m1+m2)v m1v+m2v
(B) (m1+m2)v m1v1+m2v2
(C) (m1m2)v m1v1+m2v2
(D) (m1+m2)v (m1v1)(m2v2)