Answer:
The mass of the child is 14.133 kg
Explanation:
According to the principle of linear momentum conservation, we get;
(m₁ + m₂) × v₁ + m₃ × v₂ = (m₁ + m₂) × v₃ - m₃ × v₄
The negative sign signifies that their velocities were directed oppositely
Considering both the child and the ball are initially at rest, we have;
v₁ = 0 m/s and v₂= 0 m/s
Thus;
0 = m₁ × v₃ - m₂ × v₄
(m₁ + m₂) × v₃ = m₃ × v₄
Where:
m₁ = Mass of the child
m₂ = Mass of the scooter = 2.4 kg
v₃ = Final velocity of the child and scooter = 0.45 m/s
m₃ = Mass of the ball = 2.4 kg
v₄ = Final velocity of the ball = 3.1 m/s
Substituting the known values gives us;
(m₁ + 2.4) × 0.45 = 2.4 × 3.1
(m₁ + 2.4) = 16.533
This implies m₁ + 2.4 = 16.533
Thus, m₁ = 16.533 - 2.4 = 14.133 kg
The mass of the child equals 14.133 kg.