Answer :
The velocity the rocket must have to completely stop the asteroid after collision is 225 m/s in opposite direction. (Option A).
How to calculate the velocity of the rocket?
The velocity the rocket must have to completely stop the asteroid after collision is calculated by applying the following formula as shown below.
sum of initial momentum = sum of final momentum
m₁u₁ = m₂v₂
Where;
- m₁ is the mass of the asteroid
- u₁ is the speed of asteroid
- m₂ is the mass of the rocket
- v₂ is the speed of the rocket after the collision
The velocity the rocket must have to completely stop the asteroid after collision is calculated as;
v₂ = m₁u₁ / m₂
v₂ = ( 9000 kg x 45 m/s ) / ( 1800 kg)
v₂ = 225 m/s
