Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution
Problem Set MC7, Question 5:
A 74.7 kg skater is carrying a 2.5 kg snowball and moving forward with a velocity of 10.7 m/s. The skater throws the snowball forward with a speed of 36.5 m/s. Determine the speed (in m/s) of the skater after hurling the snowball. Enter a negative value for a backward velocity and a positive value for a forward velocity.
Skyler, whose mass is 74.7 kg, is moving across ice at 10.7 m/s while holding a 2.5-kg carefully-packed snowball. Skyler hurls the snowball forward with a speed of 36.5 m/s. Determine Skyler's velocity after throwing the snowball. Enter a negative value for a backward velocity and a positive value for a forward velocity.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. An effective problem-solver...
- ...reads the problem carefully and develops a mental picture of the physical situation. If needed, they sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help visualize it.
- ...identifies the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner, often times recording them on the diagram itself. Then equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., vo = 0 m/s; a = 4.2 m/s/s; vf = 22.9 m/s; d = ???.).
- ...plots a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity; the strategy will typically center around the use of physics equations be heavily dependent upon an understanding of physics principles.
- ...identifies the appropriate formula(s) to use, often times writing them down. Where needed, they perform the needed conversion of quantities into the proper unit.
- ...performs substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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Get more information on the topic of Momentum and Collisions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.