Physics Homework Question due in 20mins, literally have no idea what i'm doing

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves a person throwing a snowball while on skates, requiring the use of conservation of momentum to determine the thrower's velocity after the throw. The equation set up includes the combined mass of the thrower and snowball before the throw equating to the momentum of the snowball and the thrower after the throw. The discussion emphasizes disregarding the second person initially, focusing solely on the thrower's recoil effect. The solution involves calculating the unknown velocity of the thrower post-throw using the provided masses and speeds. Understanding momentum conservation is crucial for solving this physics problem effectively.
Jrlandshark
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Homework Statement



A(n) 71.3 kg person throws a(n) 0.047 kg snowball forward with a ground speed of 45 m/s. A second person, of mass 64.7 kg, catches the snowball. Both people are on skates. The first person is initially moving forward with a speed of 2.28 m/s, and the second person is initially at rest.

What is the velocity of the first person immediately after the snowball is thrown? Disregard friction between the skates and the ice.

Answer in units of m/s


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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3. The Attempt at a Solution ?

What method do you use to solve this problem?
 
Conservation of momentum which states that the mass and velocity of the snowball thrower and whatever he let's go of is constant. Imagine yourself in the problem- or on a desk chair with feet up and shoving a bowling ball forward as fast as you can. You will recoil. Forget the second person altogether.

(mass of snowball + mass of skater)*2.28m/s=(mass of snowball*45m/s)+mass of skater* unknown velocity
 

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