The International Space Station has a mass of 1.8 × 10⁵ kg. A 70.0-kg astronaut inside the station pushes off one wall of the station so she accelerates at 1.50 m/s². What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the space station as the astronaut is pushing off the wall? Give your answer relative to an observer who is space walking and therefore does not accelerate with the space station due to the push.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The astronaut and the space station are pushing on each other with equal and opposite forces. According to Newton's third law, the acceleration of the space station will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the acceleration of the astronaut. Therefore, the acceleration of the space station will be 1.50 m/s^2 in the opposite direction of the astronaut's push.

The International Space Station Has a Mass of 1