Boat-man problem, velocity of center of mass

AI Thread Summary
A man weighing 84.4 kg moves from the back to the top of a 425 kg boat, initially traveling at 4.16 m/s on ice. The center of mass velocity equation is applied, leading to a calculated boat velocity of 0.41 m/s, resulting in a distance of 32.37 m traveled by the boat while the man moves. However, this answer does not match the book's solution, raising questions about potential errors in the calculations. The discussion highlights the importance of choosing the correct reference frame for solving such problems. The thread concludes with an invitation for further analysis of the calculations.
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Homework Statement



A man of mass 84.4 Kg is in the back of a boat of mass 425 kg which is moving without friction on ice with velocity 4.16 m/s. the man moves from the back to the top of the boat with velocity 2.08 m/s traveling for 18.2m. How much distance does the boat travel while the man moves?

Homework Equations



v_{cm} = (v_{1}m_{1} + v_{2}m_{2})/(m_{1}+m_{2})

The Attempt at a Solution



The way i try to solve this was that i put V_{cm} = 0 because i choose a coordinate system with velocity V_{cm}. The equation on top gives the velocity of the boat to be 0.41 m/s. Subtract this to the velocity of the boat relative to the ice gives v=3.7 m/s
Now i calculated the distance travelled: 18.2 : 2.08 = x : 3.7 which is 32.37

but it's not the same results as the book gives as a solution. What did i do wrong?
 
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why are you taking the frame at velocity of CM. take frame at v=0
then you don't need to find the relative speeds, just use them as given
 
You're right i could've done that. But the answer to the problem does not change. And it's not the same as the book. Is the book wrong or i am ?
 
I need to sleep now ... its 3AM here ...

But you can post your answer and i'll tell you your mistake as soon as i wake up.
will that work?
 
of course, no hurry:smile:

You can find my answer in the point 3 of my first post

thanks
 
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