A mon of mass m moves on a plank of mass M with a constant velocity u eith respect to the plank , as shown in figure.
If the plank rests on a smooth horizontal surface, then determine the velocity of the plank.
As no external forces are acting on the system in horizontal direction , so its linear momentum remain constant in that direction.Also there will be no shift in postion of center of mass. i.e △Xcm = 0 .Let v1 and v2 are the velocties of the man and the plank with respect to ground. Then we have.
[→Vman]plank = [→Vman]ground - [→Vman]ground
Then [→Vman]ground = [→Vman]plank + [→Vman]ground
or v1 = u - v2
Initially the system is at rest , therefore 0 = m v1 - mv2
or 0 - m(u - v2 ) - M v2 or v2 = mum+M