A helicopter lifts a 81 kg astronaut 19 m vertically from the ocean by means of a cable. The acceleration of the astronaut is g/15. How much work is done on the astronaut by (a) the force from the helicopter and (b) the gravitational force on her

a) Work done on the astronaut by the force from the helicopter = 16.104 kJ

b) Work done on the astronaut by the gravitational force = -15.082 kJ

Explanation:

mass of the astronaut, m = 81 kg

height, h = 19 m

acceleration of the astronaut, a = g/15

Since the astronaut is lifted up, using the third law of motion:

T - mg = ma

T = mg + ma

T = (81*9.81) + 81*(9.81/15)

T = 847.584 N

Work done on the astronaut by the helicopter

Work done = Tension * height

W = T* h

W = 847.584 * 19

Work done, W = 16104.096 Joules

W = 16.104 kJ

b) Work done on the astronaut by the gravitational force on her

W = -15.082 kJ

the closer the planet is to the sun, the larger the gravity