Relativistic momentum football problem

AI Thread Summary
A football player with a mass of 82.1 kg collides with a 126 kg player, and they come to rest after the collision. The relativistic momentum equation is applied to both players to find the speed of the second player, using the speed of light as 3.00 m/s. The calculated speed of the second player is initially found to be 1.94 m/s, but this result is incorrect. Suggestions for resolving the issue include showing detailed calculations to identify any errors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of verifying calculations to ensure accuracy in solving relativistic momentum problems.
Cheezay
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Homework Statement



A football player with a mass of 82.1 kg and a speed of 2.00 m/s collides head-on with a player from the opposing team whose mass is 126 kg. The players stick together and are at rest after the collision. Calculate the speed of the second player, assuming the speed of light is 3.00 m/s

Homework Equations


p= mv/[sqrt(1-v^2/c^2)]


The Attempt at a Solution


Basically how i attempted to solve this is used the above equation for each player, and set them equal to each other using 3.00m/s as the speed of light, because if they are at rest after the collision then their momentum must be equal. Because i have knowns for 1 player, and the mass of the other player, I should be able to solve for v, the other players speed, but the answer i calculate isn't right... any suggestions?
 
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First suggestion: show your work in more detail... I don't notice any obvious issues but maybe if you actually specify what you did something will become clear.
 
p= 82.1*2/[sqrt(1-2^2/3^2)]
p= 220.297

220.297=126*v/[sqrt(1-(v^2/3^2)]
v= 1.94m/s which is not correct
 
Cheezay said:
p= 82.1*2/[sqrt(1-2^2/3^2)]
p= 220.297

220.297=126*v/[sqrt(1-(v^2/3^2)]
v= 1.94m/s which is not correct

Check your answer by putting v=1.94 in the right hand side
(I get 320).
 
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