Recoil of an Astronaut

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Recoil of an Astronaut

• Patrick Groom
• Physics 2005-2006
• Wauzeka Steuben School District

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Problem
An astronaut at rest in space fires a thruster
cannon that expels a 35g bullet at 875 m/s. The
combined mass of the astronaut and pistol is 84
kg. How fast is the astronaut moving after
firing the pistol?
What will happen if I shoot this gun, without
gravity affecting me?
A
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Meanings
MA Mass of Astronaut MB Mass of Bullet VA1
VB1 Velocity of Astronaut and Bullet at
Rest VB2 Velocity of Bullet after Explosion VA2
Velocity of Astronaut after Explosion
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Action
I should have paid attention in Physics Class!!
B0.035 kg
A84 kg
V b2-875 m/s
V a2?
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Information
Ma84kg Mb 0.035kg Va1Vb1 0 m/s Vb2 -875
m/s Va2 ?
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Formula
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The End