What is the ratio of the distances traveled by these two players?

Thread starter posto002
Start date Sep 26, 2019
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Ratio

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The discussion revolves around calculating the ratio of distances traveled by two players, Pierre and Jean-Claude, given their differing masses. Participants clarify that the problem can be approached using principles of momentum and kinetic energy rather than needing explicit distance values. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying algebraic principles, particularly in manipulating equations related to mass and velocity. Ultimately, the focus is on deriving the ratio of their kinetic energies to determine the distance ratio, as both players lose kinetic energy at the same rate until they stop. The participants express gratitude for assistance and confirm understanding of the concepts involved.

Sep 27, 2019

jbriggs444

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PeroK said:

I thought the question was to find the ratio of distances travelled? That seems not very easy to me. Unless I'm missing something, all the calculations so far are just the preliminaries!

Yes. My aim was at a preliminary result which would be the ratio of the kinetic energies. Then one could try to figure out whether the kinetic energy loss was a rate over distance or a rate over time.

A rate over distance would make the rest of the problem easy using work and energy. A rate over time would either call for the evaluation of an integral or a clever way of comparing the two situations.