Question

If the momentum of the NASA space shuttle as it leaves the atmosphere is 3.75 x 10^8 kg ·m/s and its mass is 75000 kg, what is its speed?

Answer 1

Hi there!

We know that:

Momentum (p) = mass (kg) × velocity (m/s)

Or:

P = mv

We can rearrange the equation to solve for speed:

P/m = v

Plug in the given values:

(3.75 × 10⁸)/75000 = 5000 m/s