Conservation of Momentum of a boat and women

In summary, the problem involves a man and a woman diving off a boat with their own velocities relative to the boat. After the woman dives first, the boat's velocity is determined using the equation for conservation of momentum. The man's dive is then taken into account, but an error in using the velocity of the man relative to the boat results in an incorrect solution. The correct solution according to the book is -9.2 ft/s.
  • #1
negatifzeo
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Homework Statement


I'm getting fairly frustrated seeing as I've been working on this 'easy' problem for several hours yet still can't get the correct solution. The problem is as follows:
A 180 lb- man and a 120-lb woman stand side by side at the same end of a 300-lb boat, ready to dive, each with a 16 ft/s velocity relative to the boat. Determine the velocity of the boat after they have both dived if the woman dives first.


Homework Equations


Total initial momenta=total final momenta


The Attempt at a Solution



First, the woman dives.
0=480(v) +120(16) b=-4 ft/s

Second, the man dives:
(300+180)(-4)=(180)(16)+300(Vf) I keep getting Vf=-16, the book says it is supposed to be -9.2. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
You have used velocity of man relative to boat in an eqn. along with velocities w.r.t ground?
 

What is conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum is a fundamental law in physics that states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. This means that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.

How does conservation of momentum apply to a boat and women?

Conservation of momentum applies to a boat and women in the sense that the total momentum of the system (boat + women) remains constant. This means that the total momentum of the boat and women before and after they interact must be the same.

What factors affect conservation of momentum in a boat and women scenario?

The factors that affect conservation of momentum in a boat and women scenario include the mass and velocity of the boat and women, as well as the direction and magnitude of the forces acting on them. In order for conservation of momentum to hold true, the net external force on the system must be zero.

Can conservation of momentum be violated in a boat and women scenario?

No, conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics and cannot be violated. In a boat and women scenario, the total momentum of the system must remain constant regardless of any interactions or events that occur. If the net external force on the system is not zero, then conservation of momentum would not hold true.

What real-life applications does conservation of momentum have in relation to a boat and women?

Conservation of momentum has many real-life applications in relation to a boat and women, such as in rowing or paddling a boat. In order to move the boat forward, the women must exert a force on the water in one direction, which causes the boat to move in the opposite direction due to conservation of momentum. This principle also applies to water sports like jet skiing or wakeboarding. Additionally, conservation of momentum is important in understanding collisions between boats and other watercraft.

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