Question

Space probes may be separated from their launchers by exploding bolts. (They bolt away from one another.) Suppose a 4,095 kg satellite uses this method to separate from the 1,509kg remains of its launcher, and that 5,422 J of kinetic energy is supplied to the two parts. What is the subsequent speed (in m/s ) of the satellite with respect to the launcher? Enter a number with 2 digits behind the decimal point.

Answer 1

To find the subsequent velocity of the satellite with respect to the launcher, we can use the law of conservation of momentum and the law of conservation of energy. The subsequent speed of the satellite with respect to the launcher is 0.496 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the subsequent velocity of the satellite with respect to the launcher, we can use the law of conservation of momentum and the law of conservation of energy.

1. First, we need to find the initial momentum of the system, which is the sum of the momenta of the satellite and the remains of the launcher before separation.
2. Next, we find the final momentum of the system, which is the sum of the momenta of the satellite and the remains of the launcher after separation.
3. Using the equation for kinetic energy, we can find the initial and final kinetic energies of the system.
4. Finally, we can solve for the final velocity of the satellite using the momentum and energy equations.

The subsequent speed of the satellite with respect to the launcher is 0.496 m/s.