What Is the Mass of the Second Ice Skater?

In summary, the conversation discusses two ice skaters standing at rest in the center of an ice rink. When they push off one another, the 60 kg skater acquires a speed of .61 m/s. The question asks to find the mass of the other skater, given that their speed is .8 m/s. The correct formula to use is m1v1=m2v2, as the attempt at using conservation of energy was incorrect due to the added energy from the push.
  • #1
eagles12
76
0

Homework Statement



Two ice skaters stand at rest in the center of an ice rink. When they push off one another, the 60 kg skater acquires a speed of .61 m/s. If the speed of the other skater is .8m/s what is this skater's mass?

Homework Equations



explosion- pi=pf

The Attempt at a Solution



1/2m1v1^2=m2v2^2
1/2(60)(.61^2)=m2(.8^2)
11.16=m2(.64)
m2=17.43 but it said this was wrong

but then i got a really big number which doesn't seem right
 
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  • #2
Recheck your formulas. What's the formula for the momentum of a moving body?
 
  • #3
p=mv?
 
  • #4
eagles12 said:
p=mv?
Is that a guess?
 
  • #5
so do i do m1v1=m2v2 instead of squaring the velocities
 
  • #6
got it! thanks
 
  • #7
yes, that's right man. Its simply conservation of momentum.
 
  • #8
There is NO "conservation of energy" (which is what you were trying to use first) because the "explosion" (push) adds energy to the system.
 

FAQ: What Is the Mass of the Second Ice Skater?

1. What is the "Explosion with two Ice Skaters" experiment?

The "Explosion with two Ice Skaters" experiment is a physics demonstration that involves two ice skaters pushing off from each other on a frictionless surface. This results in the skaters moving apart at high speeds due to the conservation of momentum.

2. Why are the ice skaters able to move apart at high speeds in this experiment?

The ice skaters are able to move apart at high speeds because of the conservation of momentum. When one skater pushes off from the other, they transfer their momentum to the other skater, causing them to move in the opposite direction with the same amount of momentum.

3. What is the significance of this experiment in physics?

This experiment demonstrates the law of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This is an important concept in physics and has applications in various fields, including rocket propulsion and collisions.

4. Can this experiment be performed with any two objects?

Yes, this experiment can be performed with any two objects as long as they are able to push off from each other on a frictionless surface. The mass and velocity of the objects will affect the speed at which they move apart, but the concept of conservation of momentum will still apply.

5. How does friction affect this experiment?

In this experiment, friction is intentionally eliminated by using a frictionless surface. If friction were present, it would cause the skaters to slow down and eventually come to a stop instead of moving apart at high speeds. This is why a frictionless surface is necessary for the experiment to demonstrate the conservation of momentum.

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