Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 9 - Center of Mass and Linear Momentum - Problems - Page 255: 102a

Answer

The balloon moves down.

Work Step by Step

Let "up" be the positive direction. Note that the initial momentum of the balloon-climbing man system is zero before the man starts climbing. Let $v$ be the balloon's velocity while the man is climbing. Then $(v+2.5~m/s)$ is the man's velocity. We can use conservation of momentum to find the velocity of the balloon while the man is climbing up: $p_f = p_i$ $(80~kg)(v+2.5~m/s)+(320~kg)(v) = 0$ $(80~kg)(v)+(320~kg)(v) = -(80~kg)(2.5~m/s)$ $v = -\frac{(80~kg)(2.5~m/s)}{400~kg}$ $v = -0.5~m/s$ Since the balloon's velocity is negative, the balloon moves down.
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