What is the Total Momentum After Two People Push Each Other on Ice Skates?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two individuals on ice skates who push off from each other, with given masses of 52 kg and 77 kg. The question focuses on determining the total momentum after the push, despite the absence of velocity information.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevance of momentum equations, including the conservation of momentum. Some express confusion regarding the lack of velocity data and its implications for calculating total momentum.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem, with some participants suggesting relevant equations while others highlight the challenge posed by missing information. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify the situation and question assumptions about the initial conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the initial momentum is zero, which raises questions about the implications for final momentum given the lack of velocity data. The absence of additional information is acknowledged as a constraint in solving the problem.

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Homework Statement



two persons on ice skates stand face to face and then push each other away. their masses are 52 kg and 77 kg. what is the total momentum after they have pushed off

Homework Equations


the equation that would be most useful here would be P=Pa+Pb the equation for total momentum


The Attempt at a Solution



Im stump on this problem. Two mass are given, but no velocity is displayed. can someone explain to me.
 
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Is there any other equation involving momentum that you think could be relevant?
 
Jilang said:
Is there any other equation involving momentum that you think could be relevant?

well I can think of the conservation of momentum equation: m1v1(initial)+m2v2(initial)=m1v1(final)+m2v2(final)

you think I can use this equation?
 
Yes that's a good equation!
 
Momentum is initially zero,, what clues does that give you
 
Dan350 said:
Momentum is initially zero,, what clues does that give you

that the final momentum will be given with their respected velocities.

0+0=52kgv1(final)+77kgv2(final). But I still don't see a way to solve this. Unless I factor the v(final)?
 
after reviewing it I realize that the total momentum would zero. Because of the fact that only the masses are given and there's no other way to compute this.
 

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