Conservation of momentum on bike

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving the conservation of momentum as Tony, weighing 45kg, coasts on a 5kg bike at a speed of 1 m/s while carrying a 5kg pack. When Tony throws the pack forward at 5 m/s relative to the bike's speed, the correct application of the conservation of momentum equation, mv1 + mv1 = mv2 + mv2, is crucial to determine the bike's speed immediately after the throw. The initial attempt to combine the masses incorrectly led to an erroneous calculation, highlighting the importance of correctly applying relative velocities in momentum problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum principles
  • Familiarity with relative velocity concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Knowledge of mass and velocity units (kg, m/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the conservation of momentum in one-dimensional collisions
  • Study relative velocity in physics problems
  • Practice solving momentum problems with varying mass and velocity scenarios
  • Explore the implications of momentum conservation in real-world applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching momentum concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and force interactions.

Momentum09
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Homework Statement



Tony (45kg) coasts on his bike (5kg) at a constant speed of 1 m/s, carrying a 5kg pack. Tony throws his pack forward, in the direction of his motion, at 5 m/s relative to the speed of bike just before the throw. What is the bike speed immediately after the throw?

Homework Equations



mv1 + mv1 = mv2 + mv2


The Attempt at a Solution



I combined Tony and the bike's mass together, 50kg. I then did
(50)(1) + (5)(1) = (50)(v) + (5)(5) and solved for v. However that wasn't correct. Can somebody please tell me what I did wrong?

Thank you so much!
 
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Please read the following carefully.

Momentum09 said:
at 5 m/s relative to the speed of bike

Relativity is your friend. :wink:
 
thanks so much! :)
 

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