A space orbiter of mass 2.0 × 104kg is travelling at 1500 ms−1. The engines eject hot exhaust gases at a speed of 1200 ms−1relative to the orbiter. In order to get onto the correct trajectory to dock with a satellite the orbiter fires its engines and carries out a 5.0 s burn. During this burn the orbiter increases its velocity by 3.0ms−1.(a)State the “principle of conservation of linear momentum” including the condition required for it tobeapplied.
[2]
(b)Assuming the mass of fuel ejected is negligible compared to the mass of the orbiter, what is,
(i)the acceleration of theorbiter,
(ii)the distance travelled
iii)and the force produced by the engines duringtheburn?
[3](c)Determine the mass of gas ejected by the rocket during the burn, state whether you agree with the assumption that this is negligible compared to the mass of the orbiter.
