A man jumps on a boat at rest

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In summary, the question is asking for the work done by a man who jumps to the left on a still boat, causing the boat to have a velocity v. The solution involves using the conservation of momentum and kinetic energy equations. The final answer should be the sum of the man's initial kinetic energy and the boat's final kinetic energy, which is equal to half the total mass of the system multiplied by the square of the final velocity.
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Karol
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Homework Statement


A man of mass m is on a still boat of mass M. the man jumps to the left so he has only horizontal velocity.
Immediately afterwards the boat has velocity v.
What's the work the man made.

Homework Equations


Conservation of momentum: ##m_1v_1=m_2v_2##
Kinetic energy: ##E=\frac{1}{2}mv^2##

The Attempt at a Solution


The man's velocity, vm, in an inertial frame, after the jump:
$$Mv=mv_m\rightarrow v_m=\frac{M}{m}v$$
$$E=\frac{1}{2}\left[ Mv^2+\frac{M}{m}v^2 \right]=\frac{1}{2}\frac{M(m+1)}{m}v^2$$
I don't think it's the right answer
 
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  • #2
What is the square of ##\frac{M}{m}v##?
 
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$$E=\frac{1}{2}\left[ Mv^2+m\left( \frac{M}{m}v\right)^2 \right]=\frac{1}{2}\left( M+\frac{M^2}{m} \right)v^2$$

Thanks
 
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Likes DEvens

1. What is the initial velocity of the boat when the man jumps on it?

The initial velocity of the boat is zero, as it is at rest before the man jumps on it.

2. Does the man's weight affect the movement of the boat?

Yes, the man's weight will cause the boat to experience a change in momentum and move in the opposite direction.

3. What happens to the boat's velocity after the man jumps on it?

The boat's velocity will increase in the direction opposite to the man's jump, as it experiences a change in momentum due to the man's weight.

4. How does the man's jump affect the boat's center of mass?

The man's jump will cause the boat's center of mass to shift towards the direction of his jump, as it now has an additional weight on one side.

5. Will the boat continue to move after the man jumps on it?

Yes, the boat will continue to move in the opposite direction of the man's jump, until an external force acts upon it to change its motion.

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