Finding Final Velocity of Cart in Grade 12 Physics Problem

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SUMMARY

The final velocity of the cart after two men jump off is calculated using the principles of conservation of momentum. Initially, the system's momentum is zero. When the first man jumps off at 5 m/s north, the cart's final velocity is determined to be 0.25 m/s north after accounting for the second man's jump. The calculations involve setting the total momentum before and after the jumps equal, leading to the conclusion that the cart moves north at 0.25 m/s.

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Homework Statement



2 men with mass of 100kg each, are on a stationary cart with mass of 300 kg.
The cart has no friction withthe tracks. The cart can only go north and south.
1st man starts runnin at speed of 5 m/s(reletive to cart) towards north and jumps off the cart. Otherman runs with same speed (reletive to cart) towards the south after the 1st man what is the cart final velocity??


Homework Equations




use the equation of

Conservation of energy
Coservation of momentum



The Attempt at a Solution




North is positive

M1 = 100
M2 = 100
M3 = 300

MAN 1

m1v1 +m2v2 + m3v3 = m1v1' +m2v2' + m3v3'
100(5)+ 0+0 = V'(100+300)
500/400 = v'
10.25 m/s =v'​

MAN 2

m2v2 + m3v3 = m2v2' + m3v3'
100(-5) + 300(1.25) = 300v'
-500+375 = 300v'
-0.41666 m/s = v'​


NOW I need someone to proof read this and tell me wht to do next please!

the final asnwer is 0.25 m/s North!
 
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musicfan31 said:
m1v1 +m2v2 + m3v3 = m1v1' +m2v2' + m3v3'
100(5)+ 0+0 = V'(100+300)​
Sorry, this isn't right.

Things start out all at rest, with the two men both standing on the cart. So the initial momentum is zero.

Then the 1st man jumps off the cart, and is going 5 m/s relative to the cart. You need to write an expression for the total momentum an instant after the man leaves the cart, and set that equal to the initial momentum of zero.

500/400 = v'
10.25 m/s =v'​

MAN 2

m2v2 + m3v3 = m2v2' + m3v3'
100(-5) + 300(1.25) = 300v'
-500+375 = 300v'
-0.41666 m/s = v'​


NOW I need someone to proof read this and tell me wht to do next please!

the final asnwer is 0.25 m/s North!
 

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