Collision question - Simple one

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a collision scenario between a boy and his sister on roller blades, where the boy is pushed backward after being at rest. The objective is to determine the speed of the girl after the push, given the mass of both individuals and the velocity of the boy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of momentum, with attempts to set up equations based on the masses and velocities involved. There are questions about the values used in calculations, particularly regarding the velocity of the boy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out potential errors in the calculations, specifically the use of incorrect velocity values. There is an ongoing exchange of clarifications and corrections, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that friction can be ignored, and there is a focus on ensuring the correct application of the momentum conservation principle. The original poster expresses confusion over the discrepancy between their calculated answer and the expected result.

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Homework Statement



Something I am doing wrong?

"A 65kg boy and his 40kg sister both wearing roller blades, face each other at rest. The girl pushes the boy hard, sending him backwards with a velocity of 2.90 m/s toward the west. Ignore friction.

What speed does the girl go?"

I cam up with m1(v1i - v1f) = m2(v2f - v2i)

Solved for v2f and got 3.9 m/s

But the correct answer is 4.71 m/s

?? Any help?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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nukeman said:

Homework Statement



Something I am doing wrong?

"A 65kg boy and his 40kg sister both wearing roller blades, face each other at rest. The girl pushes the boy hard, sending him backwards with a velocity of 2.90 m/s toward the west. Ignore friction.

What speed does the girl go?"

I cam up with m1(v1i - v1f) = m2(v2f - v2i)

Solved for v2f and got 3.9 m/s

But the correct answer is 4.71 m/s

?? Any help?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


m1 * v1 = m2 * v2
where
m1 = 65
v1 = 2.9
m2 = 40
v2 = ?
 
what the heck, I am still getting 3.9 :(

im going (65)(2.4)=(40)(x) solve for x, which = 3.9
 
You should have a 2.9 instead of your 2.4 :)
 
JHamm said:
You should have a 2.9 instead of your 2.4 :)

I imagine he's beating his head on his keyboard right about now...:-p
 
Haha, Dave, yes I was!

Thanks, I guess my 4's look way too much like 9's :)
 
nukeman said:
Haha, Dave, yes I was!

Thanks, I guess my 4's look way too much like 9's :)

on ... your ... keyboard ? :bugeye:
 

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