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A-LevelPhysicsDynamics9702/12 · Oct/Nov 2019 · Q91 Mark

The space probe Rosetta was designed to investigate a comet. The probe consisted of an orbiter and a lander. The orbiter had a mass of 170 kg and the lander had a mass of 100 kg. When the two parts separated, the lander was pushed towards the surface of the comet so that its change in velocity towards the comet was 3.0 m s⁻¹. [Figure showing an orbiter (mass 170kg) and a lander (mass 100 kg) separating, with lander's velocity change 3.0 m s⁻¹] Assume that the orbiter and lander were an isolated system. The orbiter moved away from the comet during the separation. What was the change in the speed of the orbiter?

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

A1.8 m s⁻¹
B2.3 m s⁻¹
C3.0 m s⁻¹
D5.1 m s⁻¹

✓ Correct answer

A: 1.8 m s⁻¹

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About this question

Topic
Dynamics, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
A-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2019 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 9.

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