Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Centre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Centre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
Two heavy astronauts, each having a mass of 120 kg , are travelling...
Two heavy astronauts, each having a mass of , are travelling in a closed spaceship moving at a speed of in outer space, far removed from all other material objects. The total mass of the spaceship and its contents, including the astronauts, is . If the astronauts perform slimming exercises, thereby reducing their individual masses to , with what velocity will the spaceship move?
Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
B.
Step-by-step solution
Since the spaceship is a closed system, the mass lost by the astronauts remains inside the spaceship in the form of sweat, exhaled gases, and other metabolic byproducts.
The total mass of the spaceship and its contents remains constant at .
As there is no external force acting on the spaceship in outer space, the total linear momentum of the system is conserved.
With both the total mass and the total momentum of the system remaining constant, the velocity of the spaceship remains unchanged.
Therefore, the spaceship will continue to move with a velocity of .
The total mass of the spaceship and its contents remains constant at .
As there is no external force acting on the spaceship in outer space, the total linear momentum of the system is conserved.
With both the total mass and the total momentum of the system remaining constant, the velocity of the spaceship remains unchanged.
Therefore, the spaceship will continue to move with a velocity of .