Average thrust applied by the engine to the satellite - 0.200N Mass of satellite

Question

Average thrust applied by the engine to the satellite - 0.200N
Mass of satellite and propulsion system - 2.5x10^3kg
Speed of xenon atom exiting the thrust chamber - 1.5x10^4m/s
Mass of xenon atom - 2.19x10^-25kg

a)The length of time in hours that this type of ion propulsion engine must be in operation in order to increase the speed of the satellite and propulsion system by 12 m/s is?

(Please explain in detail)

b) The number of xenon atoms that would have to be discharged as exhaust in order to increase the speed of the satellite and propulsion system described above by 1 m/s is?

(Please explain in detail)

Explanation / Answer

a) F *t=m*v

0.2 * t = 2.5*10^3*12

t = 1.5*10^5 sec = 41.7 hours

b) Conservation of momentum

P(after)=P(before)

m(sat)*v(sat)+m(atom)*v(atom)=0

2500*1 + m(atoms)*1.5*10^4 = 0

m(atoms)= 0.1667 kg (since mass cannot be negative so we consider it as positive quantity)

No of atoms =Total mass/mass of single atom = 0.1667/(2.19*10^-25) = 7.61*10^23

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.