Answer to Question #262973 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 Newton's third law by throwing something away from the station to start moving in the direction to the station. Then Newton's second law starts working: the acceleration is directly proportional to the force and inversely proportional to the mass if the astronaut. As the force stops action, Newton's First law starts working: the astronaut moves along a straight line at constant speed toward the station.