Question

Calculate the increase in velocity of a 4100-kg space probe that expels 3500 kg of its mass at an exhaust velocity of 2.55*10³ m/s. You may assume the gravitational force is negligible at the probe location.

Answer 1

The increase in velocity of the space probe is approximately 2.195 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the increase in velocity of the space probe, we can use the conservation of momentum principle. The change in velocity can be determined using the equation:

Change in Velocity = (mass of expelled gas * exhaust velocity) / mass of space probe

Plug in the values:

Change in Velocity = (3500 kg * 2.55x10³ m/s) / 4100 kg = 2.195 m/s

The increase in velocity of the space probe is approximately 2.195 m/s.