They all weigh the same on earth and are equally strong. The game begins.Describe the motion of the astronauts as the game procedes. How long will the game last?
2006-09-16 12:59:27 · 7 answers · asked by wildbutterflychick 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The game lasts for two throws. The first astronaut throws his hapless compatriot, and both of them will gain equal velocities in opposite directions. Let us assume that the direction of the thrown astronaut's velocity is positive and of magnitude v.
When the second astronaut catches the incident space-farer, he will gain a positive velocity of v/2, and the thrown astronaut will continue to travel froward with a reduced velocity of v/2. At this point, they will be trvaelling together.
When the second astronaut throws his misguided partner, he will impel him with just enough force to stop his forward velocity, and to impart himself with an additional v/2 positive velocity.
At this point, astronauts one and two are floating away from each other with the thrown astronaut floating motionless between them.
2006-09-16 13:49:22 · answer #1 · answered by Argon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The length of the game will depend on how prone to being nauseous the guy being tossed about is. If the answer is "Very prone," then the action will be something like a slo mo of a spaceman upchucking into his space helmet. If the other two spacemen are grossed out enough, they, too may start heaving and spewing into their space masks... in slo mo...
2006-09-16 13:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The game will stop almost immediately, as there is no gravity, there is no friction to stop them from flying of into space. IE when one tries to throw the other, they will both be pushed away at the same velocity.
2006-09-16 13:01:47 · answer #3 · answered by danimal3114u 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Every time they throw or catch, they will be propelled away from each other. Only way this could work is if they had a rope between them all.
2006-09-16 13:22:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whether they miss or not. If someone misses, he's got a lot of splainin' to do.
2006-09-16 13:02:28 · answer #5 · answered by TiM 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with danimal31... That's what I thought would happen.
2006-09-16 13:10:08 · answer #6 · answered by wupierto 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats funny, bet they do
2006-09-16 13:06:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋