aurumdeus Posted May 13, 2005 Report Posted May 13, 2005 Just a quick question (probably with an obvious answer).In space, if an astronaut fires a rocket on one side of him, it will cause him to turn, even though there does not seem to be a pivot. also, but if the rocket is fired with more energy, then is the location where the pivot should be (according to his motion) moved? Quote
UncleAl Posted May 13, 2005 Report Posted May 13, 2005 The center of mass of the system is the pivot that defines the lever arm, plus the usual conservation laws for energy, linear and angular momenta for all parts of the system, including rocket exhaust. Quote
aurumdeus Posted May 14, 2005 Author Report Posted May 14, 2005 Thanks Al. yet another question that my physics teacher failed to answer... Quote
aurumdeus Posted May 14, 2005 Author Report Posted May 14, 2005 Then again, i suppose she does have to teach half the school... Quote
Qfwfq Posted May 16, 2005 Report Posted May 16, 2005 Even if she has to teach half the school, she should have been able to explain such a simple thing. Not the best of physics teachers, I'd say. Quote
aurumdeus Posted May 16, 2005 Author Report Posted May 16, 2005 True. she seems to know the sylabus, but not much else. i forever find myself asking her questions and receiving no answer...oh well Quote
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