Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - Part 7 - 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

Correct!

The explosion (or whatever is used) to separate $m_1$ and $m_2$ exerts only internal forces on the system.

Therefore momentum is conserved.
$(m_1 + m_2)v = m_1v_1{'} + m_2 \;v_2{ '}$

Substitute the numerical values for $m_2$, $v$, and $v_1{'}$ and solve for $v_2{ '}$  before continuing.

Continue.