Speed Ratio of Two Children with Different Masses

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two children with different masses pushing off each other and moving in opposite directions. The goal is to determine the ratio of their speeds based on their masses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of conservation of momentum and question whether additional information about friction or the setup is necessary for solving the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using conservation of momentum as a guiding principle, while others are exploring the implications of missing information regarding the scenario.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about whether the children are on skates or if other factors might affect their movement, which could influence the interpretation of the problem.

solars
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Two children are facing each other. Child one has mass of 45kg and the other 65 kg. They push off one another and move in opposite directions. What is the ratio of child one's speed to child 2's?
Answer choices:
a 45:65
b 45:110
c 1:1
d 65:45
e can't tell from this info

I don't know where to start, so I'm thinking the answer is e.
 
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solars said:
Two children are facing each other. Child one has mass of 45kg and the other 65 kg. They push off one another and move in opposite directions. What is the ratio of child one's speed to child 2's?
Answer choices:
a 45:65
b 45:110
c 1:1
d 65:45
e can't tell from this info

I don't know where to start, so I'm thinking the answer is e.
Consider conservation of momentum.
 
Surely part of the question has been left off. The children are on skates, so that they move frictionlessly? If so, as Hootenanny said, use conservation of momentum.
 
thanks :)
 

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