Two hockey pucks, labeled A and B, are initially at rest on a smooth ice surface and are separated by a distance of 18.0. Simultaneously, each puck is given a quick push, and they begin to slide directly toward each other. Puck A moves with a speed of 1.30, and puck B moves with a speed of 1.70.

What is the distance covered by puck A by the time the two pucks collide?

Question

Physics

Byron Rasmussen

5 May, 06:30

Two hockey pucks, labeled A and B, are initially at rest on a smooth ice surface and are separated by a distance of 18.0. Simultaneously, each puck is given a quick push, and they begin to slide directly toward each other. Puck A moves with a speed of 1.30, and puck B moves with a speed of 1.70.

What is the distance covered by puck A by the time the two pucks collide?

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Answers (1)

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Heidy Irwin · Answer 1

The pucks are traveling towards one another, so their relative velocity becomes:

1.3 + 1.7 = 3 m/s

The time it will take for them to collide:

18/3 = 6 seconds

In this time, the distance each puck will cover:

Da = 1.3 x 6

= 7.8 m

Db = 1.7 x 6

= 10.2 m