Law of conservation of momentum problem?

In summary, a man of mass 65kg running at a speed of 4.9m/s jumps into a rowboat of 88kg that is drifting at a speed of 1.2m/s without friction. The final velocity of the boat can be found using the law of conservation of momentum, where the combined momentum before the collision is equal to the combined momentum after. The final velocity of the boat is calculated to be 2.77 m/s.
  • #1
abrowaqas
114
0

Homework Statement



A man of mass 65kg is running at speed of 4.9m/s, jumps into a rowboat of 88kg that is drifting without friction in the same direction at a speed of 1.2m/s. when the man is seated in the rowboat, what is the final velocity of the boat?


Homework Equations



Momentum before = momentum after

The Attempt at a Solution



If
m= mass of man = 65kg
v= velocity of man = 4.9m/s

m' = mass of rowboat = 88kg
v' = velocity of rowboat = 1.2m/s

V= required final velocity
let
M= mass of both rowboat and man = m+ m' = 153kg

now
law of conservation of momentum

momentum before = momentum after

i-e
mv = M(v'+V)

so

V= (mv-Mv')/M

= 0.88 m/s

is it right method ?

but how could the speed of rowboat is such less?
 
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  • #2
hi abrowaqas! :smile:
abrowaqas said:
m= mass of man = 65kg
v= velocity of man = 4.9m/s

m' = mass of rowboat = 88kg
v' = velocity of rowboat = 1.2m/s

V= required final velocity
let
M= mass of both rowboat and man = m+ m'

momentum before = momentum after

yes :smile:
i-e
mv = M(v'+V)
noooo :redface:
 
  • #3
P = momentum, m = mass and v= velocity, and P=m*v

So before the collision we have a total momentum of (65*4.9) + (88*1.2) = 424.1Kg/ms^-1

After the collision, the momentum must be 424.1. This is equal to the combined mass of the man and the boat (65+88=153kg) multiplied by the final velocity of the boat. So all we need to do is 424.1/153 to give us your answer of 2.77 m/s.

is this method right?
 
  • #4
abrowaqas said:
After the collision, the momentum must be 424.1. This is equal to the combined mass of the man and the boat (65+88=153kg) multiplied by the final velocity of the boat. So all we need to do is 424.1/153 to give us your answer of 2.77 m/s.

are you quoting someone? :confused:

yes, that method is correct

now rewrite your m M v V equation so that it's correct!​
 
  • #5
yes ofcourse... that answer is given by from yahoo answers.
 
  • #6
abrowaqas said:
yes ofcourse... that answer is given by from yahoo answers.

thought so! :rolleyes:

ok now see if you can correct your first try …
abrowaqas said:
momentum before = momentum after

i-e
mv = M(v'+V)

:wink:
 

What is the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum of all objects before an event is equal to the total momentum of all objects after the event. This means that momentum is conserved and cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects.

How does the Law of Conservation of Momentum apply to real-life situations?

The Law of Conservation of Momentum can be seen in many real-life situations, such as collisions between objects, rocket propulsion, and even sports like billiards and ice skating. It helps explain the physics behind these events and allows us to predict the outcomes.

What are some common misconceptions about the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

One common misconception is that the total momentum of an isolated system can change over time. In reality, the total momentum remains constant unless an external force acts on the system. Another misconception is that the individual momenta of objects in a closed system can change, when in fact, it is the total momentum that is conserved.

How is the Law of Conservation of Momentum related to Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that the momentum of two objects involved in a collision must be equal and opposite, which aligns with the conservation of momentum principle.

How can the Law of Conservation of Momentum be used in problem-solving?

The Law of Conservation of Momentum can be used to solve problems involving collisions and other events where momentum is transferred between objects. By setting up equations that consider the initial and final momenta of the objects, we can determine the outcome of the event and calculate unknown variables.

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