Final answer:
To calculate the recoil distance of an ice hockey player on a frictionless ice surface, the conservation of momentum and knowledge of the puck's velocity and travel time are used, with results reported in centimeters to two decimal points.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns a physics concept called conservation of momentum, specifically in an ice hockey context where the ice is frictionless. Based on the law of conservation of momentum, when the player hits the puck, both must have the same momentum but in opposite directions since they start from rest. The momentum of the puck is the product of its mass and velocity (0.163 kg × 39 m/s), and this value must be equal to the product of the ice hockey player's mass and recoil velocity.
To find the distance the player recoils, we first calculate his recoil velocity and then determine the time it takes for the puck to reach the goal. The puck travels 14.7 m at a velocity of 39 m/s, so the time it takes is distance divided by velocity. Using this time, we can find the distance the hockey player recoils by multiplying his recoil velocity by the same time. Finally, we will convert this distance to centimeters by multiplying by 100, ensuring our result is represented with a precise decimal point.