Conservation of momentum question FINAL

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conservation of momentum in a scenario where a person runs while pushing a cart. As Ann runs to the right, the cart moves to the left, demonstrating the principle of momentum conservation. The key mathematical relationship established is that the momentum of Ann and the cart must be equal and opposite, leading to the conclusion that the distance Ann covers is slightly less than 15 meters due to the cart's movement. The discussion emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of momentum equations to analyze such scenarios accurately.

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Can someone care to explain the mathematics behind it?
i initally thought that she'd go the full 15m, but because the cart does move slightly to the left as she runs it's just a bit less than the full 15m,

can someone give me the maths to it?

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9297/masteringphysicsq1.jpg
 
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As Ann runs to the right, the cart starts to move to the left with equal momentum... that gives you your first equation.
 
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