The following question concerns a collision in outer space, far enough from any planets so that the external forces can be considered as negligible. An unmanned spacecraft, having mass 1,500,000 kg and speed 25,000 km/hr collides with a small meteor, having mass 3,000 kg and speed 2,100 km/hr, in the Kuiper belt. a. Prior to the collision, what are the total kinetic energy and total momentum? b. Assuming a head-on collision, in which the meteor becomes lodged into the spacecraft’s body and the two objects move off together, what are the total kinetic energy and momentum after the collision? c. If instead of getting lodged into the spacecraft, the meteor bounced off, would the change in the space craft’s momentum be larger or smaller, or is there not enough information to tell? Explain.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
Topic Video
Question

The following question concerns a collision in outer space, far enough from any planets so that the external forces can be considered as negligible.

An unmanned spacecraft, having mass 1,500,000 kg and speed 25,000 km/hr collides with a small meteor, having mass 3,000 kg and speed 2,100 km/hr, in the Kuiper belt.

a. Prior to the collision, what are the total kinetic energy and total momentum?

b. Assuming a head-on collision, in which the meteor becomes lodged into the spacecraft’s body and the two objects move off together, what are the total kinetic energy and momentum after the collision?

c. If instead of getting lodged into the spacecraft, the meteor bounced off, would the change in the space craft’s momentum be larger or smaller, or is there not enough information to tell? Explain.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 6 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Momentum
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON