An Acapulco cliff diver in (m = 70.0 kg) jumps 30.0 meters from the top of the cliff toward the ocean below. However, in a freak accident, half-way down 8.00 meters from his launch point, he crashes into a hang glider (total mass 85.0 kg) flying horizontally at 6.5 m/s.

Assuming an inelastic collision and terminal velocity from that point on, how far from the intended entry point do the two hit the ocean, and how fast are they moving?

For simplicity, assume no air drag during the diver's free fall and a value of g = 10 m/s².

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

During the inelastic collision of the cliff diver and the hang glider momentum is conserved We can use the principle of conservation of momentum to fi... View the full answer