3 ms·
> If they can shoot a Mo2+ out twice as fast as Pb2+, it’s about them same. Is it? Twice the velocity (v) but ~half the mass (m) might give you the same moment
by codethief 3y ago
> If they can shoot a Mo2+ out twice as fast as Pb2+, it’s about them same.
Is it? Twice the velocity (v) but ~half the mass (m) might give you the same momentum, but it requires twice the energy: E = ½(m/2) * (2v)² = 2 × ½mv².
- p1mrx 3y agoMaybe it's worth spending energy to save mass, because energy is delivered by the sun, whereas mass has to be launched. There's probably a thrust vs. delta-v tradeoff for different elements.