Answer to Question #262971 in Physics for Mae

Question

Directions: Briefly discuss the problem below. In answering, explain the physics of

your proposed method. Be sure to include all of Newton’s Laws of

Motion in your answer.

A space station worker found herself floating free 100 meters from the space

station because her safety line became unhooked. Attached to her space suit

were her unhooked safety line, her tool belt and tools, and her oxygen tank.

How could she get back to the space station without calling someone for

help?

Answer 1

She can use momentum conservation and start throwing some of her tools in the direction that is away from the space station. By momentum conservation, she will start mowing toward the space station.