Question

A small space probe is released from a spaceship. The space probe has mass 20.0 kg and contains 90.0 kg of fuel. It starts from rest in deep space, from the origin of a coordinate system based on the spaceship, and burns fuel at the rate of 3.00 kg/s. The engine provides a constant thrust of 120.0 N. (a) Write an expression for the mass of the space probe as a function of time, between 0 and 30 seconds, assuming that the engine ignites fuel beginning at t=0

a. m(t)=20.0−3.00t kg
b. m(t)=20.0−120.0t kg
c. m(t)=110.0−3.00t kg
d. m(t)=110.0−120.0t kg

Answer 1

The correct expression for the mass of the space probe as a function of time is 'm(t) = 110.0 - 3.00t kg', where 't' represents time in seconds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of the space probe as a function of time, considering the probe and fuel start at a combined mass of 110.0 kg and fuel is burned at a rate of 3.00 kg/s, is given by the expression m(t) = 110.0 - 3.00t kg. This expression is valid between 0 and 30 seconds, which is the period during which the space probe will have fuel to burn.