Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - A

A space vehicle and its fuel tank are moving with a velocity of $350\; m/s$ toward a space station. The fuel tank is then jettisoned to the rear so that its velocity is only $250\; m/s$ toward the station. What is the new speed of the space vehicle? The mass of the vehicle is $3.25$ times that of the tank. [Ans. $380\; m/s$]

Accumulated Solution

Correct!

It is worth thinking about this answer even before we proceed with the solution.

The system comprising the two parts of the space ship are

(A)   An isolated system.

(B)   A non-isolated system