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: 102c

Answer

If the man stops climbing, then the speed of the balloon is zero.

Work Step by Step

Before the man starts climbing up, the initial momentum of the (balloon-climbing man) system is zero. While the man is climbing up, the momentum of the (balloon-climbing man) system is still zero. If the man stops climbing, the momentum of the (balloon-climbing man) system is still zero. Since the man's speed is zero, then the speed of the balloon must also be zero, otherwise the momentum of the (balloon-climbing man) system would not be zero. If the man stops climbing, then the speed of the balloon is zero.
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