A deep-space probe of mass is far from any planets so that only two significant…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A deep-space probe of mass 2.0×104kg is far from any planets so that only two significant forces act on it:
• A steady 3.0kN radiation pressure force pushing the probe directly away from the Sun.
• The combined thrust of on-board engines, which can be directed along the same line.
Mission control wants the probe to accelerate at 0.25ms−2 away from the Sun during a course-correction burn.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the net force that must act on the probe to produce the desired acceleration.
(b) Determine the magnitude and direction of the additional thrust the engines must supply.
(c) Describe qualitatively how the required engine thrust would change if the probe’s mass gradually decreased as fuel was consumed, assuming all other forces remained unchanged.