PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Two students, A and B, stand face to face on a perfectly smooth ice rink. Student A has a mass of 40kg and student B has a mass of 50kg. They place their palms together and push against each other for 0.50s with a constant force of 60N.
Answer the following questions related to this situation.
(i) Describe the forces acting on student A and on student B during the interval of contact. State clearly how their directions and magnitudes are related.
(ii) Which student experiences the greater acceleration during the push? Give a reason for your answer without performing a numerical calculation.
(iii) Just before and just after the push, how does the total momentum of the system consisting of the two students compare? Explain your reasoning.