Law of Conservation of Momentum in Action: How Far Do Fred and Brutus Slide?

How far do Fred and Brutus slide when they collide?

Considering the given data and the coefficient of kinetic friction, what factors affect the sliding distance?

The Distance of Fred and Brutus' Slide

When Fred and Brutus collide, their sliding distance is determined by various factors such as their masses, velocities, and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the football uniforms and Astroturf.

Fred, with a mass of 65 kg, is running at a speed of 5.8 m/s with the football. On the other hand, Brutus, with a mass of 130 kg, moves at 4.0 m/s before grabbing Fred and causing them both to fall to the ground.

Finding the Sliding Distance

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the sum of the momentum of the two objects before the collision is equal to the sum of the momentum after the collision. By applying this principle and considering the coefficient of kinetic friction, we can calculate the sliding distance.

After solving the equations, we find that the sliding distance of Fred and Brutus is 0.0915 meters. This distance is influenced by the masses of the two individuals, their velocities, and the friction between the football uniforms and Astroturf.

Understanding the principles of momentum and friction is crucial in determining how objects behave during collisions and interactions. By analyzing the data provided and applying the relevant formulas, we can calculate and comprehend the dynamics of such scenarios.