Question

Two skaters begin at rest. Skater 1 has a smaller mass than Skater 2. After they push off each other,...

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Sakter 1 has Greater velocity than skater 2.

Explanation:

This concept can be explained using the concept of collision between two particles with different masses. When both the masses pull each other, smaller skater will acquire the greater velocity due to its less mass. While the greater skater will have lower velocity due to its greater mass. Hence, C is the right answer.

As the momentum is the product of mass and velocity, therefore change in momentum in both the skaters will be equal. It is obvious that both skaters have unequal masses and velocity but the product of mass and velocity for them is equal. Hence, option A and B are not right answers.

When both skaters pull each other, they exert force on each other. According to newton’s third law of motion action and reaction forces are equal and are in opposite direction. So, the forces which both skaters will experieces are equal. Hence, D is also not a right answer.

Answer 2

As both the skater pushed each other with a force, skater 1 will acquire greater velocity than skater 2 with heavier mass.

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

Here we can understand the scenario with the example of a particle collision. When two particles of different masses, one being lighter and the other being heavier, there will be a movement and change in velocities.

Now, when these two particle collide with each other, there will be an equal and opposite thrust or reaction on both the particles. The particle with heavier mass will not be able to acquire more velocity because of its weight whereas the lighter particle will be pushed far away, being less in mass.

We can also say that the heavier particle will exert more force as compared to the lighter one and hence, can easily push it far away. this is all because the force is directly proportional to the mass of the object.

Hence, just like the particle, when two skater try to push each other with a significant amount of force, skater 2 will win to exert more force and therefore, skater 1 will acquire greater velocity as compared to skater 2.