What would happen if you tried to catch a ball when you were standing on roller skates?

I know what happens, but it is hard for me to explain.

Question

What would happen if you tried to catch a ball when you were standing on roller skates?

I know what happens, but it is hard for me to explain.

ujjwal · Answer

and hard for me to explain too..

anonymous · Answer

This is a perfect example of an inelastic collision. Realizing that momentum will be conserved....$$m_b v_b + m_m v_m = m_bv_b' + m_m v_m'$$ If we catch the ball, we become coupled to with the ball, therefore both will have the same velocity. Also, let's assume we are at rest before we catch the ball$$m_bv_b = v' (m_b+m_m)$$

Therefore, after we catch the ball, we will begin to travel backwards in the same direction of the ball before it was caught. This velocity will be much slower than the initial velocity of the ball assuming we have a greater mass than the ball.