Conservation of Momentum in a Fishy Encounter

  • Thread starter Thread starter amynjax23
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the conservation of momentum in a scenario where a 5kg fish swallows a 1kg fish. The initial momentum of the system is calculated, and it is determined that the larger fish's speed after the encounter is -5m/s when the smaller fish is at rest. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in the problem statement, specifically correcting the phrasing regarding the smaller fish's state. Additionally, there is a query about the larger fish's speed if the smaller fish approaches at 4m/s. The importance of applying momentum conservation principles is emphasized in solving the problem.
amynjax23
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 5kg fish is swimming at 1m/s swallows an absent minded fish swimming 1kg fish at rest. (a) Show that the speed of the larger fish after lunch is -5m/s. What would be its speed if the smaller fish was traveling toward it at 4m/s

Homework Equations



momentum=mv?

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know what to do...sorry
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can use conservation of momentum, but first you need to correct your problem statement '..fish swimming 1kg fish at rest..' :confused:
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Momentum Problem: Kid Pushing Sled on Ice
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Why is momentum conservation always true in a collision?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Momentum, collision of two cars problem
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Conservation of momentum/energy of stacked balls
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Collision of Two Particles: Conservation of Momentum and Final Velocities
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Two dimensional momentum problem
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Confusion with "explosive" part, Conservation of Momentum
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Solving a Fishy Collision: Velocity After Impact
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solving Momentum Conservation: Finding Velocity & Direction
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Momentum conservation: block-wedge problem
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K