Principle of the conservation of the momentum problem

In summary, the spaceman catches a bottle of soda with a speed of 3,5m/s from the west, drinks its contents and throws it away. The spaceman should slide south with a speed of 1,1 m/s in order to keep the momentum the same.
  • #1
mini-mynta
2
0

Homework Statement


In an animated movie a spaceman (m=1,5 kg) stands on the slippery ice on a lake. Then he sees a soda bottle sliding towards him from west with a speed of 3,5 m/s. The spaceman catches the bottle, drinks up the content (m=0,33 kg) and throws away the empty bottle (m=0,2 kg) so that its speed relative to the ice is 3,0 m/s in southern direction. In what direction and with which speed should the spaceman slide after this, according to the laws of physics?


Homework Equations



p=mv
Ek=0,5mv2
F[tex]\mu[/tex]=[tex]\mu[/tex]N=[tex]\mu[/tex]mg
W=Fs

The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried to use the principle of the conservation of the momentum. I figured that after the spaceman has picked up the bottle he and the bottle should move on to the east and the momentum should be the same as the bottles was from the beginning: p1=m1v1. Then I could calculate the spaceman's and bottle's combined velocity v2. Then the friction would eventually stop the movement as the kinetic energy turns into heat according to W=F[tex]\mu[/tex]s, W=Ek in this case. By calculating the length s of which the spaceman slides in each direction it's possible to calculate the angle since the movement forms a right triangle.
The spaceman then throws away the bottle southwards and as the bottle receives a momentum the spaceman should also start moving in the opposite direction. That way the total momentum would still be 0, and I could calculate the spaceman's velocity, and again, using W=F[tex]\mu[/tex]s could calculate s, which now is the length of his northbound movement. This velocity should IMO be the final velocity answer, and using tan[tex]\alpha[/tex]=s2/s1 I could calculate the angle of his final position compared to his initial position.

The answer should be:1,1 m/s, 18o
I got v=0,3 m/s, [tex]\alpha[/tex]=7,3o
 
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  • #2


There was no friction mentioned in the problem statement. "Slippery ice" is a hint that friction should not need to be taken into account.
 
  • #3


Thank you, I'll try again then!
 

FAQ: Principle of the conservation of the momentum problem

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, regardless of any internal or external forces acting on the system. This means that the total momentum before an event must be equal to the total momentum after the event.

Why is the principle of conservation of momentum important?

The principle of conservation of momentum is important because it is a fundamental law of physics that helps us understand and predict the behavior of objects in motion. It allows us to analyze and calculate the motion of objects in various situations, such as collisions and explosions.

How is momentum conserved in a closed system?

In a closed system, momentum is conserved because any changes in momentum of one object are balanced by an equal and opposite change in momentum of another object within the system. This principle holds true for both elastic and inelastic collisions.

Can the principle of conservation of momentum be violated?

No, the principle of conservation of momentum is a fundamental law of physics and is always observed in nature. However, in some cases, it may seem like momentum is not conserved due to external forces or factors that are not accounted for in the analysis.

How does the principle of conservation of momentum apply to everyday life?

The principle of conservation of momentum can be seen in many everyday situations, such as a car accident or a game of billiards. It also plays a role in the movement of objects in space, as seen in the orbits of planets and satellites. Understanding this principle can help us make predictions and prevent accidents in our daily lives.

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