A uniform rod of length 0.80m and mass 2.5kg floats in deep space, initially at rest with no external forces acting. Suddenly, two small thrusters mounted at its ends fire simultaneously for 0.20s. Each thruster exerts a constant 10N force perpendicular to the rod, with the two forces directed opposite to each other (forming a pure couple).
(1) Determine the net external force on the rod while the thrusters are firing. State both magnitude and direction.
(2) State whether the rod is in translational equilibrium during the firing interval, and justify your answer.
(3) Calculate the magnitude of the torque exerted on the rod about its center during the firing interval.
(4) Given that the moment of inertia of a uniform rod about its center is I=121mL2, determine the rod’s angular acceleration while the thrusters fire.