A microsatellite of mass is initially drifting in space with negligible speed…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A microsatellite of mass 400kg is initially drifting in space with negligible speed relative to an inertial frame. Its onboard thrusters are fired, giving it a velocity of 2.0m/s at an angle of 30∘ above the positive x–axis in the x–y plane.
(a) Resolve the satellite’s final velocity into its x and y components.
(b) Determine the corresponding components of its linear momentum.
(c) Write the momentum vector in component form (px^+py^) and calculate its magnitude.
(d) Calculate the impulse delivered to the satellite by the thrusters and state its direction using unit vector notation.