Two skaters, each of mass 50 kg, approach each other along parallel paths separated by 3 m. They have equal and opposite velocities of 1.4 m/s. The first skater carries one end of a long pole with negligible mass, and the second skater grabs the other end of it as she passes; see the figure. Assume frictionless ice. Describe quantitatively the motion of the skaters after they have become connected by the pole.
What is the total kinetic energy of two-skater system?
By pulling on the pole, the skaters reduce their separation to 1.0 m. What is their angular speed then?
What is the new kinetic energy of the system after they have pulled themselves closer? Explain the source of the increase kinetic energy.