Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCentre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
A man having a mass of 50 kg begins moving on the earth and attains a speed of 1.8 m/s . What is the recoil speed of the earth? The mass of the earth is 6 10²⁴ kg .
Options
- A5.4 10⁻²⁴ m/s
- B1.5 10⁻²⁴ m/s
- C1.5 10⁻²³ m/s
- D3.0 10⁻²³ m/s
Correct answer
C. 1.5 10⁻²³ m/s
Step-by-step solution
According to the law of conservation of momentum, the initial momentum of the system (Earth and man) is zero. When the man moves, the magnitude of the momentum of the man is equal to the magnitude of the momentum of the Earth. m v = M V Substituting the given values: 50 1.8 = 6 10²⁴ V 90 = 6 10²⁴ V V = 90 6 10²⁴ V = 15 10⁻²⁴ m/s V = 1.5 10⁻²³ m/s