Two ice skaters suddenly push off against one another starting from a stationary position. The 45-kg skater acquires a speed of 0.375 m/s relative to the ice. What speed does the 60-kg skater acquire relative to the ice?

Speed does the 60-kg skater acquire relative to the ice = 0.281 m/s

Explanation:

Momentum is conserved in this case.

Initial momentum = Final momentum.

Initial momentum = Initial momentum of skater 1 + Initial momentum of skater 2

Initial momentum = 45 x 0 + 60 x 0 = 0 kg m/s

Final momentum = 45 x 0.375 + 60 x u = 16.875 + 60 u

Here we need to find u.

We have

0 = 16.875 + 60 u

u = - 0.281 m/s

Speed does the 60-kg skater acquire relative to the ice = 0.281 m/s