Calculating Distance Traveled for Two Skaters

  • Thread starter Thread starter IDKPhysics101
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Distance traveled
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the distance traveled by two skaters with masses of 9.2 kg and 3.0 kg, who are initially 8.7 m apart and pulling themselves along a rope. The correct approach involves using the concept of the center of mass to determine the distance traveled by the heavier skater. The calculated distance for the 9.2 kg skater is 2.13 m before they meet the other skater, confirming the accuracy of the method applied.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of center of mass calculations
  • Basic principles of physics related to mass and distance
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Ability to perform algebraic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of center of mass in multi-body systems
  • Explore Newton's laws of motion and their applications
  • Learn about frictionless motion scenarios in physics
  • Practice solving similar problems involving mass and distance
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and force in systems involving multiple bodies.

IDKPhysics101
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
Two skaters of mass 9.2 kg and mass 3.0 kg stand 8.7 m apart, each holding the end of a rope stretched between them. If each skater pulls himself along the rope until they both meet how far (in m) has the person with the mass of 9.2 kg travel before stopping. Assume that friction is negligible. (Hint: make the 9.2 kg skater your zero reference point and find the center of mass)

X=2.13m?

I don't have time to type my work right now. But will show work if answer is wrong to see where i went wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Looks good.
 

Similar threads

Find the distance over which the skater will move
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Angular momentum: rotating ice skaters
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Skater pulling another skater with a rope, F=ma
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
12K
Elastic Collision in Two Reference Frames
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Do Skaters' Velocities Change After Grabbing a Pole?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Calculating Velocity of Ice Skater After Throwing Snowball
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Solve Momentum Problem: Skater w/60kg Mass+3kg Skateboard
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Problem applying Newtons third law
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Distance traveled by a Ball affected by friction after t seconds
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Find the tension force in each pair
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K