Ricardo (R) and Maria (M) are in a canoe that is stationary and floating on a calm lake. They are 4.0 m apart, symmetrically located about the center of the canoe as shown in the figure on the left. Ricardo has mass 80 kg Maria has a mass of 62 kg. The canoe is massless and is free to move in the water without friction.

If Ricardo and Maria both move to the center of the canoe what distance d will the canoe move relative to a rock that is stationary in the water?

Question

Ricardo (R) and Maria (M) are in a canoe that is stationary and floating on a calm lake. They are 4.0 m apart, symmetrically located about the center of the canoe as shown in the figure on the left. Ricardo has mass 80 kg Maria has a mass of 62 kg. The canoe is massless and is free to move in the water without friction.


If Ricardo and Maria both move to the center of the canoe what distance d will the canoe move relative to a rock that is stationary in the water?

anonymous · Answer

the sum of moments of masses about the centre of mass is equal to zero. use this principle.