Acceleration Calculation of an Astronaut in Space

When calculating the astronaut's acceleration in space, we need to consider the forces acting on the astronaut. In this scenario, the astronaut has a jet pack that delivers a force of 21.3 N to the right and a tiny hole in his suit that delivers a force of 30.3 N to the left. The astronaut's mass is 61 kg.

The first step is to determine the net force acting on the astronaut. The force from the jet pack to the right is considered positive, while the force from the tiny hole in the suit to the left is considered negative. Therefore, the net force is calculated by subtracting the force to the left from the force to the right: 21.3 N - 30.3 N = -9 N.

Next, we can apply Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration. Rearranging the formula, we get acceleration = net force / mass. By substituting the values, we have acceleration = (-9 N) / 61 kg = -0.148 m/s².

Therefore, the astronaut's acceleration in space based on the given data is -0.148 m/s² to the left. Despite facing opposing forces, the astronaut is experiencing deceleration in the direction of the force from the tiny hole in his suit. It's amazing how physics can help us understand the movements of objects in space!