Two ice skaters are at rest and facing each other.One skater weighs 140 lbs and the other skater weighs 180 lbs.The skaters "push off" of each other.The 140 lb skater is moving at 5.00 m/s to the EAST.What is the velocity of the 180 lb skater?
A) 6.50 m/s EAST
B) 6.50 m/s WEST
C) 3.89 m/s EAST
D) 3.89 m/s WEST
E) 1.55 m/s EAST

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the conservation of momentum, the velocity of the 180 lb skater is 3.89 m/s to the WEST.

Two Ice Skaters Are at Rest and Facing Each Other