Question

A space probe is traveling in outer space with a momentum that has a magnitude of 5.92 x 107 kg·m/s. A retrorocket is fired to slow down the probe. It applies a force to the probe that has a magnitude of 1.91 x 106 N and a direction opposite to the probe's motion. It fires for a period of 10.4 s. Determine the momentum of the probe after the retrorocket ceases to fire.

Answer 1

`p_f=7.90* 10^7\ kg.m/s`

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Initial momentum of the probe,
`p_i=5.92* 10^7\ kg.m/s`

Applied force to the probe,
`F=1.91* 10^6\ N`

Time period, T = 10.4 s

To find,

Final momentum of the probe.

Solution,

We know that according to the impulse- momentum theorem, the impulse is equal to the change in momentum. Mathematically, it is given by :

`F\Delta t=p_f-p_i`

`p_f=F\Delta t+p_i`

`p_f=1.91* 10^6* 10.4+5.92* 10^7`

`p_f=7.90* 10^7\ kg.m/s`

Therefore, the momentum of the probe after the retrorocket ceases to fire is
`7.90* 10^7\ kg.m/s`. Hence, this is the required solution.