If astronaut A(90kg) and astronaut B(110kg) are linked by 9.5m of rope and the centre of mass is 5.2m from astronaut A. What is the velocity of the 2 astronauts?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Rope was originally 15m long but astronaut A reeled it in on her end by 5.5m in 8.5sec.

Not sure if this is important or not

Thanks in advance guys

alekos · Answer

so they would be moving towards each other at a velocity of 5.5/8.5 m/sec

irishboy123 · Answer

this motion will be centred on the centre of mass:  because there is no external force, so no change in momentum of overall system.  

initially A was 110*15/200 = 8.25 from CoM.  now she is 5.225 (the 5.3 in the question is inaccurate).  she has moved 3.05m in 8.5s.

she started at zero so her velocity, **assuming** constant force and acceleration, is given by (1/2)(vf + 0) * 8.5 = 3.05

ditto for B