Problem 8-61 Cons. of Momentum - Part 3 - B

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.

Momentum is conserved;

After the separation the momentum of the tank is

(A)   Increased

(B)   Decreased