Two ice skaters are gliding together along the ice, both moving at a constant ve

Question

Two ice skaters are gliding together along the ice, both moving at a constant velocity (sliding without exerting a force). The first skater (the one in the back), with mass M1 = 55 kg, pushes the second skater (the one in front), with mass M2 = 81 kg, directly forward in the direction they are initially moving. After the push the first skater is not moving (velocity = 0) and the second skater is moving with a velocity of 1.35 m/s.

What is the initial speed of the skaters? Give your answer in m/s to three significant digits.

(Note: You can assume the friction of the ice on the skaters can be neglected.)

Explanation / Answer

initial momentum = final momentum 55* v + 81 * v = 55 * 1.35 + 81 * 0 136 v = 155.25 v = 1.141 m/s is their initial speed

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