Question

Observing a spacecraft land on a distant asteroid, scientists notice that the craft is falling at a rate of 5 m/s. When it is 100 m closer to the surface of the asteroid, the craft reports a velocity of 8 m/s. According to their data, what is the approximate gravitational acceleration on this asteroid?

A. 0 m/s2
B. 0.03 m/s2
C. 0.20 m/s2
D. 0.65 m/s2
E. 33 m/s2

Answer 1

Answer:

(c) 0.20 m/s²

Explanation:

Using The equation of motion,

V² = u² + 2gs...................... equation 1

Where V = final velocity, u = initial velocity, g = gravitational acceleration,

s = distance.

Making g the subject of the equation in equation 1 above,

g =( V² - u²)/2s............................ equation 2

Where V= 8 m/s, u = 5 m/s, s= 100 m.

g = (8²-5²)/(2×100)

g = (64-25)/200

g = 39/200

g =0.195 m/s²

g ≈ 0.20 m/s².

The gravitational acceleration = 0.20 m/s²