James (mass 85.0 kg) and Ramon (mass 69.0 kg) are 20.0 m apart on a frozen pond. Midway between them is a mug of their favorite beverage. They pull on the ends of a light rope stretched between them. Ramon pulls on the rope to give himself a speed of 1.10 m/s. What is James's speed?

v = - 0.89m/s.

Explanation:

This problem require the knowledge of conservation of momentum

Given the mass of James and Ramon to be 85kg and 69kg respectively.

Total initial momentum = 0 since James and ramon were both not moving initially.

Ramon has a final momentum = 69.0 * 1.10

James has a final momentum = 85 * vf

85*v + 69*1.10 = 0

85v + 75.9 =

85v = - 75.9

v = - 75.9/85 = - 0.89m/s