Question

Two manned satellites approaching one another at a relative speed of 0.400 m/s intend to dock. The first has a mass of 2.50 ✕ 10³ kg, and the second a mass of 7.50 ✕ 10³ kg. Assume that the positive direction is directed from the second satellite towards the first satellite.

(a) Calculate the final velocity after docking, in the frame of reference in which the first satellite was originally at rest..(m/s)

(b) What is the loss of kinetic energy in this inelastic collision?

(c) Repeat both parts, in the frame of reference in which the second satellite was originally at rest.
final velocity (m/s) and loss of kinetic energy (J).

(d) Explain why the change in velocity is different in the two frames, whereas the change in kinetic energy is the same in both.

Answer 1

part-d.)

The velocity of center of mass unchanged by collision, because there is

no external forces on it.

The above two velocity of center of mass are different because they are taken from two individual differences reference.

Loss in kinetic energy is due to the internal forces , is the same in a co-ordinate system.

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