Physics of Santa's Snowy Adventure: Work-Energy & Momentum Analysis

[bard]

Chubby Santa(mass 100kg) decides to have some fun and slides 9.0 m down a snowy roof)starting from rest. There is a 135 n fricitional force between santa and the roof. After sliding the 9.0 meters he collides with and clings to, an elf (mass 50kg) who was sitting on the roof edge. They both fall into the snow-6 meters below

A)Write a "physics story about this event"
B)Use work-energy principles and conservation of momentum when applicable to evaluate how fast they are moving when they hit the snow.

c)During the collision santa and the elf each exert a forces on each other. WHich, if either, exerts the larger force? explain

any help would be appreciated

image is here
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/cgi-bin/discus/board-profile.cgi?action=display_picture&picture=bard-colleges&timenow=1071372956

 

[HallsofIvy]

For part c) "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction". Whatever force Santa exerts on the elf, the elf necessarily exerts on Santa.

 

[bard]

ok i understand. What i don't understand is how to write a "physics story". I guess that i have to describe what's going on in the problem?

 

[HallsofIvy]

I'm afraid you'll have to ask your teacher what he/she means by a "physics story"!

 

[No Name Required]

Be careful of what you classify as 'your work' Bard.

'Your work' looks very familiar.