Solve Momentum Problem: Boat's Final Velocity

  • Thread starter Hyperreality
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In summary, the two expressions for the boat's final velocity after throwing two shoes are mv(1/(M - m) + 1/(M - 2m)) and mv(1/(M + m) + 1/M). It is unclear which one is the correct answer without further clarification on the total mass M and whether it includes the shoes.
  • #1
Hyperreality
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A peron on a boat with a total mass of M are stationary in the river, the man throws his shoes mass m at a velocity v successive, find the expression for the boat's final velocity.

Here is what I did.

First let u be the velocit of the boat
After the first shoes:
(M + m)u = mv
u = mv(1/(M +m))

After the second shoes:
Change in momentum of the boat = Change in momentum of the shoe

So, Mu'- (M + m)u = mv, but (M + m)u = mv

Therefore Mu' = 2mv and u' = 2mv/M

u + u' = mv(2/M + 1/(M + m)) is the final velocity of the boat.

But the correct answer is mv(1/(M + m) + 1/(M + 2m)), can anyone please tell me where I've got it wrong?
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by Hyperreality

Change in momentum of the boat = Change in momentum of the shoe

So, Mu'- (M + m)u = mv
The 2nd shoe ist not at v relative to the water, since it's thrown from a moving boat.
 
  • #3
So this is the correct expression?

Mu'- (M + m) = m(u + v)? Because I still can't find the correct expression...
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Hyperreality
Because I still can't find the correct expression...

Nor can I reproduce that answer.
There's also something unclear in the problem: It says 'total mass M'. Does that include the shoes, or not?

Let u be the boat velocity after 1st throw.
Let u' be the boat velocity after 2nd throw.

If we assume that M includes the shoes, then

I. (M-m)u = mv
II. (M-2m)u' - (M-m)u = m(v-u)

This leads to
u' = mv(1/(M - m) + 1/(M - 2m)).

Now if M doesn't include the shoes, this will sure mean the transformation
M -> M+2m, yielding
u' = mv(1/(M + m) + 1/M).

I can't see how to get closer to the 'correct' answer.
 

What is momentum and how is it related to velocity?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass and velocity. It is related to velocity because an object's momentum will change if its velocity changes, and vice versa.

How do you calculate the final velocity of a boat in a momentum problem?

To calculate the final velocity of a boat in a momentum problem, you need to use the equation p=mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. First, calculate the initial momentum of the boat, then use the law of conservation of momentum to find the final momentum. Finally, divide the final momentum by the mass of the boat to find the final velocity.

What is the law of conservation of momentum?

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This means that the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.

What are some factors that can affect the final velocity of a boat in a momentum problem?

The final velocity of a boat in a momentum problem can be affected by the mass of the boat, the initial velocity of the boat, and any external forces acting on the boat such as friction or wind.

Can momentum be negative?

Yes, momentum can be negative. This can occur if the direction of an object's motion is opposite to the direction of its initial momentum. In a momentum problem, the negative value indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction than assumed.

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