Two skaters, each of mass 50 kg, approach each other along parallel paths separated by 3.0 meters. They have equal and opposite velocities of 10 meters/ sec. The first skater carries a long light pole, 3.0 meters long, and the second skater grabs the end of it as he passes. (Assume frictionless ice.)
(a) Describe quantitatively the motion of the skaters after they are connected by the pole.
(b) By pulling on the pole, the skaters reduce their distance apart to 1.0 meter. What is their motion then?
(c) Compare the kinetic energy of the system in parts (a) and (b). Where does the change come from?