Question

TWO PERSONS A AND B HAVING MASSES 50KG AND 60KG RESPECTIVELY ARE SITTING AT THE TWO EXTREME TO A 4m AND LONG PLATFORM OF MASS 40KG KEPT ON A SMOOTH ICE . IF THEY COME TO MIDDLE OF THE BOAT THEN HOW FAR DOES THE MOVE THE BOAT MOVE ON THE ICE DURING THE PROCESS ? (IN cm)

Answer 1

Answer on Question #40897, Physics, Mechanics

Two persons A and B having masses 50kg and 60kg respectively are sitting at the two extreme to a 4m and long platform of mass 40kg kept on a smooth ice. If they come to middle of the boat then how far does the move the boat move on the ice during the process? (in cm)

Solution:

Since there is no external force center of mass of the system should remain in the same point

$$x _ {c m} = \frac {5 0 \cdot (- 2) + 6 0 \cdot 2 + 4 0 \cdot 0}{5 0 + 6 0 + 4 0} = \frac {2}{1 5} = 0. 1 3 3 3 \mathrm {m} \text { from centre of boat}$$

If center of mass has not moved then boat must have moved $2/15 \, \text{m}$ towards $60 \, \text{kg}$ person.

Answer. 13.33 cm.