Superman (m = 100 kg) saves the earth once again by stopping a 20,000 kg asteroi

Question

Superman (m = 100 kg) saves the earth once again by stopping a 20,000 kg asteroid that was going to hit the earth by throwing it towards the sun, if Superman applies a force of 40.000 N to the asteroid, what happens to Superman and the asteroid while he is applying the force?

a) The asteroid accelerates at 400 m/s/s and Superman accelerates at 400 m/s/s in the opposite direction

b) The asteroid accelerates at 2 m/s/s and Superman accelerates at 400 m/s/s in the opposite direction

c) The asteroid accelerates at 2 m/s/s and Superman does not accelerate

d) The asteroid accelerates at 2 m/s/s and Superman accelerates at 2 m/s/s in the opposite direction

Explanation / Answer

Correct Ans:

b) The asteroid accelerates at 2 m/s/s and Superman accelerates at 400 m/s/s in the opposite directionGiven,

m = 100 kg ; M = 20,000 kg ; F = 40,000 N ;

a)aa = 400 m/s^2 ; as = 400 m/s^2

We know that, F = ma

Since the acceleration is same and M >> m, Fa >> Fssuper man will get thrown away because of larger force from asteriod

b)aa = 2 m/s^2 ; as = 400 m/s

Fa = 2 x 20000 = 40000 N

Fs = 100 x 400 = 40000 N

Both experience same amount of force in this case and in apposire direction. He might hold it and nothing will happen.

c)Superman will get blown away by the asteriod

d)Again the force that superman exerts on asteroid will be v less and hence he will get blown away by the asteriod.

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