Question

A satellite moving with velocity v in a force free space collects stationary interplanetary dust at a rate of $\frac{dM}{dt} = \alpha v$ where M is the mass (of satellite + dust) at that instant. The instantaneous acceleration of the satellite is

• A. $- \frac{\alpha v}{2M}$
• B. $- \frac{\alpha v}{M}$
• C. $- \alpha v^{2}$
• D. $- \frac{2\alpha v^{2}}{M}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$- \frac{\alpha v}{M}$

Answer 2

$a_{imt} = \frac{\alpha V^{2}}{M}$