two figure skaters, one weighting 625N and the other 725N,push off against each other on frictionless ice. a) if the heavest skater travels at 1.50m/s, how fast will the lighter one travel? b)how much kinetic energy is created during the skaters manauver, and where does this energy come from?

Answer 1

a) The net momentum will remain zero. They will leave in opposite drections.
(725/g)kg* 1.50m/s + (625/g)V = 0

V is the speed of the ligther skater. Solve for it. The acceleration of gravity (g) can be cancelled out.

V = -(725/625)*1.50 m/s

The minus sign denotes going in the opposite direction.

Answer 2

1.74 m/s