# Friction free tug of war - result check

1. Nov 17, 2008

### JWDavid

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Okay left my book at home - foolishly thinking I had all my equations - oops

Two Skaters, one with mass 65kg and the other with mass 42kg stand on an ice rink holding a pole with a length of 9.7m and a mass that is negligible. Starting from the ends of the pole the scaters pull themselves along the pole until they meet. How far will the 42kg skater move?

2. Relevant equations

?

& $$\vec{}R$$cm = $$\Sigma$$ mi$$\vec{}R$$$$/$$mi

3. The attempt at a solution
Okay I've determined that the center of mass is 3.8m from the 65 kg mass.
Am I correct in thinking that 9.7-3.8 is the answer? I don't have a place to run through a sample and couldn't find one here.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Nov 17, 2008

### tiny-tim

Hi JWDavid!

Yes, there's no external force, so the centre of mass doesn't move!

3. Nov 17, 2008

thanks