Momentum Theory question Gr.12

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The discussion centers on the application of momentum conservation in a scenario involving a student on a skateboard and his backpack. The student, with a mass of 78.2 kg, moves at 1.60 m/s east and picks up a 6.4-kg backpack, resulting in a combined mass of 84.6 kg. The final velocity of the student after the pickup is calculated to be approximately 1.5 m/s east, demonstrating the principle that the total momentum before the event equals the total momentum after. The formula used is p_initial = p_final, confirming that the momentum of the student equals the momentum of the student plus the bag.

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1. A student on a skateboard, with a combined mass of 78.2 kg, is moving east at 1.60 m/s. As he goes by, the student skilfully scoops his 6.4-kg backpack from the bench where he had left it. What will be the velocity of the student immediately after the pickup?






Me solving
momentum of student = momentum of student+bag
MV=MV
78.2kg(1.60 m/s E)= 84.6kg( Velocity)

125.12=84.6(Velocity)
Velocity=1.478959811
Velocity=1.5 m/s (E)


QUESTION- What I don't get is the theory behind this. How does the momentum of the student equal the momentum of student and bag? Please explain how this works.
 

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elmosworld403 said:
1. A student on a skateboard, with a combined mass of 78.2 kg, is moving east at 1.60 m/s. As he goes by, the student skilfully scoops his 6.4-kg backpack from the bench where he had left it. What will be the velocity of the student immediately after the pickup?
Me solving
momentum of student = momentum of student+bag
MV=MV
78.2kg(1.60 m/s E)= 84.6kg( Velocity)

125.12=84.6(Velocity)
Velocity=1.478959811
Velocity=1.5 m/s (E)QUESTION- What I don't get is the theory behind this. How does the momentum of the student equal the momentum of student and bag? Please explain how this works.

(ms×vs)+(mb×vb) = (ms+mb)v^2

Where:
ms = Mass of student
vs = Velocity of student
mb = Mass of bag
vb = Velocity of bag

In writing;
The sum of the initial momentum (p=mv) on both objects is equal to the final momentum, where the masses are combined.

If you have objects moving on angles, you can find the (x,y) components of the velocity vectors to determine what occurs. x=[(v)cos(θ)], y=[(v)sin(θ)]
 
Last edited:

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