Two football players have a head-on collision and both stop short in their paths. If one player is twice as heavy as the other, how does his speed compare to the smaller player?
The speed of the smaller player as compared heavier player.
Answer to Problem 16TE
The velocity of smaller player is twice the speed of other player.
Explanation of Solution
When two football players collide, a change in momentum occurs and there is no external force acting on them.
Write the expression for conservation of momentum.
m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Here,
m1 is the mass of the first player
m2 is the mass of the second player
u1 is the velocity before collision of first player
u2 is the velocity before collision of first player
v1 is the velocity after collision of second player
v2 is the velocity after collision of second player
Substitute 0 m/s for v1 and v2 in the above equation.
The mass of second player is twice heavy as first player.
Substitute 2m1 for m2 in the above equation.
From the above relation, it is clear that the velocity of first player having half the mass would be twice the speed of other player.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the velocity of smaller player is twice the speed of other player.
Chapter 5 Solutions
Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
University Physics Volume 1
Glencoe Physical Science 2012 Student Edition (Glencoe Science) (McGraw-Hill Education)
Life in the Universe (4th Edition)
Tutorials in Introductory Physics
Conceptual Integrated Science
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON