Answer:
The final recoil speed of A is -0.36 m/s
Explanation:
Given;
mass of spaceman A, m₁ = 140 kg
mass of spaceman B, m₂ = 100 kg
initial speed of spaceman A, u₁ = 0
initial speed of spaceman B, u₂ = 0
final speed of spaceman B, v₂ = 0.5 m/s
Apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum;
m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
140 x 0 + 100 x 0 = 140v₁ + 100 x 0.5
0 = 140v₁ + 50
-50 = 140v₁
v₁ = -50/140
v₁ = -0.36 m/s
Thus, the final recoil speed of A is -0.36 m/s
The negative sign indicates that it moved in opposite direction of spaceman B