Question

Imagine a landing craft approaching the surface of Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons. If the engine provides an upward force (thrust) of 3432 N, the craft descends at constant speed; if the engine provides only 2317 N, the craft accelerates downward at 0.39 m/s2. What is the weight of the landing craft in the vicinity of Callisto's surface?

Answer 1

W = mg = 3432 N

Step-by-step explanation:

The force applied by the engine, F = 3432 N (upward) the craft descends at constant speed.

If the engine provides only 2317 N, the craft accelerates downward at 0.39 m/s².

On applying the force of 3432 N, the ship descends at a constant velocity such that the net force acting on it equal to 0. So, the upward normal force is equal to the weight of the landing craft.

So, the weight of the landing craft in the vicinity of Callisto's surface is 3432 N. Hence, this is the required solution.