(a) Two ice skaters on frictionless ice, each having, by fortunate coincidence, the same mass m and arm length L/2, approach along parallel paths separated by distance L. Each is moving at velocity v relative to the earth. As they pass, they clasp hands.
(1) What will be the linear velocity of their CM after-wards? (Show the equation.)
(2) What will be the angular velocity of the system afterwards?
(b) Suppose one skater is moving v and the other 2v before they meet. Find the velocity of their CM and their angular velocity afterwards.
(c) Suppose both skaters are initially moving v, but one has mass m and the other 2m. What point do they rotate about after they meet? What is the linear velocity of this point? What is the angular velocity of the system?