Momentum when object is thrown at angle

  • Thread starter Thread starter jorcrobe
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Angle Momentum
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
4 replies · 13K views
jorcrobe
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A student standing on a stationary skateboard tosses a textbook, mt = 1.05 kg, to a friend standing in front of him. The student and the skateboard have a combined mass of mc = 104 kg and the book leaves his hand at a velocity of 2.25 m/s at and angle of 22 degrees with respect to the horizontal.

Randomized Variables
mt = 1.05 kg
mc = 104 kg
Vb = 2.25 m/s
θ = 22 degrees.

what is an expression for the magnitude of the velocity the student has, Vs, after throwing the book?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I thought that the momentum would be equal and opposite, so I set:

mt(vb)=mc(v)

solved for v, and got .023

I feel as if I am working this terribly wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Momentum is a vector. It has components (vertical, horizontal). The book is thrown at an angle to the horizontal. The vertical component won't do much since it's directed into the Earth. What does that leave you with?
 
mt(vb)cos(30)=mc(v)

?
 
jorcrobe said:
mt(vb)cos(30)=mc(v)

?

That looks promising, but where did the "30" come from?
 
gneill said:
That looks promising, but where did the "30" come from?

Good question. deg 22*


Thanks a bunch!