Calculating Raft Movement with Walking Boy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 32 kg boy walking on a 59 kg raft, with the goal of determining how far the raft moves as the boy walks from one side to the other. The scenario is set in a physics context, focusing on concepts of force, mass, and center of mass.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the forces acting on the raft and the boy, questioning the role of friction and mass in the movement. There are attempts to apply the principle of conservation of momentum and center of mass calculations, with some participants expressing confusion over their calculations and the setup of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to calculate the center of mass and the resulting movement of the raft. Some participants have noted errors in their calculations and are seeking clarification on the principles involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the boy's movement and the raft's response.

Contextual Notes

Participants have raised questions about the assumptions made in the problem, such as the neglect of water resistance and the implications of mass distribution on the raft's movement. There is also mention of potential miscalculations affecting the conclusions drawn.

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Homework Statement


A 32 kg boy is standing on a 59 kg raft that is 8 m wide. He walks 6 m from a point 1.0 m from the left edge of the raft to a point 1.0 m from the right edge of the raft. If you ignore resistance of the water to the motion of the raft, how far does the raft move during this procedure


Homework Equations



F=ma
p=mv

No idea

The Attempt at a Solution



i draw a force diagram for it and looks like the one that will effect the movement of the boat is

F = friction force
but I have no idea what the friction constant is. and also will the mass affect the movement of the boat?

and I also don't have any velocity to use the equation of

m1v1 + m2v2 = m3v3
32(v1) + 0 = 91(v3)
 
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Smartguy94 said:

Homework Statement


A 32 kg boy is standing on a 59 kg raft that is 8 m wide. He walks 6 m from a point 1.0 m from the left edge of the raft to a point 1.0 m from the right edge of the raft. If you ignore resistance of the water to the motion of the raft, how far does the raft move during this procedure


Homework Equations



F=ma
p=mv

No idea

The Attempt at a Solution



i draw a force diagram for it and looks like the one that will effect the movement of the boat is

F = friction force
but I have no idea what the friction constant is. and also will the mass affect the movement of the boat?

and I also don't have any velocity to use the equation of

m1v1 + m2v2 = m3v3
32(v1) + 0 = 91(v3)


This is just a centre of mass question. The centre of mass of the system will remain stationary. The c of m of the two components moves. Where will they each finally be?
 
PeterO said:
This is just a centre of mass question. The centre of mass of the system will remain stationary. The c of m of the two components moves. Where will they each finally be?

x1 = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1+m2)
91(1) + 91(7) / (182)
x1 = 4m

uhmm i believe i did something wrong :confused:
 
Smartguy94 said:
x1 = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1+m2)
91(1) + 91(7) / (182)
x1 = 4m

uhmm i believe i did something wrong :confused:

suddenly the boy and raft have become 91 kg each?
 
PeterO said:
suddenly the boy and raft have become 91 kg each?

x1 = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1+m2)
x1 = (32(1) + 59(4)) / (91)
x1 = 2.725

x1 = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1+m2)
x1 = (32(7) + 59(4)) / (91)
x1 = 5.055

x = 5.055 - 2.725
x = 2.33m

but it's wrong, I'm confused where my error is
 
Last edited:
nvm, it was just a miscalculation, i got it now, thank you :)
 

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