Two skaters at rest, one of 100 kg and the second of 50 kg, push off against one another. Which will gain the largest magnitude of momentum?
A) The 100-kg skater
B) The 50-kg skater
C) Both skaters will gain momentum of the same magnitude.
D) Neither of the skaters will gain any momentum.
E) The momentum of each skater is conserved.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system is conserved. When the two skaters push off against each other, they exert equal and opposite forces on each other (Newton's third law), resulting in equal and opposite changes in momentum. Therefore, both skaters will gain momentum of the same magnitude, but in opposite directions.

Two Skaters at Rest, One of 100 Kg and the Second