Question

Two skaters, one with mass 52.5 kg and the other with mass 26.3 kg, stand on an ice rink holding a pole with a length of 5.00 m and a negligible mass. Starting from the ends of the pole, the skaters pull themselves along the pole until they meet. How far will the 26.3 kg skater move?

Answer 1

Answer: 10.02m

Explanation: Given

M1 = 26.3kg

M2 = 52.5kg

d = 5m

If the systems centre of mass does not change, the two skaters will definitely meet at the centre of mass.

If the 26.3kg skater is a m away from the centre of the mass, then the 52.5kg skater is (5-a) m away from the centre of the mass. Thus,

M1a + M2(5-a) = 0

26.3a + 52.5(5-a) = 0

26.3 a + 262.5 - 52.5a = 0

-26.2a + 262.5 = 0

26.2a = 262.5

a = 262.5/26.2

a = 10.02m