Collision question - Simple one

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The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving momentum conservation between a boy and his sister on roller blades. The boy, weighing 65 kg, is pushed backward at 2.90 m/s, and the question is to determine the speed of the 40 kg sister. The initial calculation yielded 3.9 m/s for the sister's speed, but the correct answer is 4.71 m/s. The error was identified as a miscalculation in the values used, specifically confusing 2.4 with the correct 2.9. The conversation highlights the importance of careful attention to detail in problem-solving.
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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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