Question

You are simulating a lunar lander with 600−kg mass is descending onto the moon's surface with a velocity of 3 m/s when its retro-engine is fired. If the engine produces a thrust T for 5 s which varies with the time as shown and then cuts off, calculate the velocity of the lander when t=6 s, assuming that it has not yet landed. Use g=1.60 m/s

2
as the gravitational acceleration at the moon's surface.

Answer 1

To calculate the acceleration of the lunar lander, you can use Newton's second law of motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acceleration of the lunar lander can be calculated by using Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration. In this case, the net force is the thrust produced by the engine minus the gravitational force.

The thrust of the engine can be determined by multiplying the mass of gas expelled per second by the exhaust velocity of the gas. The gravitational force can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the lander by the acceleration due to gravity on the moon.

Once you have determined the net force, you can use it to calculate the acceleration. In this case, the net force is equal to the mass of the lander multiplied by the acceleration. Substitute the known values into the equation and solve for acceleration.