Question

Two hockey pucks, labeled A and B, are initially at rest on a smooth ice surface and are separated by a distance of 18.0 m . Simultaneously, each puck is given a quick push, and they begin to slide directly toward each other. Puck A moves with a speed of 3.90 m/s , and puck B moves with a speed of 4.30 m/s . What is the distance covered by puck A by the time the two pucks collide

Answer 1

The distance covered by puck A before collision is
`z = 8.56 \ m`

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question we are told that

The label on the two hockey pucks is A and B

The distance between the two hockey pucks is D 18.0 m

The speed of puck A is
`v_A = 3.90 \ m/s`

The speed of puck B is
`v_B = 4.30 \ m/s`

The distance covered by puck A is mathematically represented as

`z = v_A * t`

=>
`t = (z)/(v_A)`

The distance covered by puck B is mathematically represented as

`18 - z = v_B * t`

=>
`t = (18 - z)/(v_B)`

Since the time take before collision is the same

`(18 - z)/(V_B) = (z)/(v_A)`

substituting values

`(18 -z )/(4.3) = (z)/(3.90)`

=>
`70.2 - 3.90 z = 4.3 z`

=>
`z = 8.56 \ m`