Momentum and Collision: A Physics Adventure

a) What is the Momentum of Cart 1 just before striking Cart 2?

a) 5600 kg·m/s

b) What is the velocity of Cart 2 after the collision?

b) 9.33 m/s

c) What is the momentum of Cart 2?

c) 5598 kg·m/s

Explanation:

a) The momentum of Cart 1 just before striking Cart 2 can be calculated using the equation: Momentum = mass * velocity Substituting the given values, we get: Momentum of Cart 1 = 400 kg * 14 m/s = 5600 kg·m/s

b) To find the velocity of Cart 2 after the collision, we need to use the concept of conservation of momentum: Momentum before collision = Momentum after collision Since Cart 1 only rolls back and does not move forward after the collision, its momentum becomes zero. Therefore, the momentum of Cart 2 is equal to the momentum of Cart 1 before the collision: Momentum of Cart 2 = 5600 kg·m/s Using the equation: Momentum = mass * velocity Substituting the given mass of Cart 2, we can find the velocity: 5600 kg·m/s = 600 kg * velocity Solving for velocity, we find that the velocity of Cart 2 after the collision is 9.33 m/s

c) The momentum of Cart 2 can be calculated using the equation: Momentum of Cart 2 = mass * velocity Substituting the given values: Momentum of Cart 2 = 600 kg * 9.33 m/s = 5598 kg·m/s

Have you ever wondered about the science behind collisions and momentum in physics? The scenario of Cart 1 striking Cart 2 and the subsequent movement provides a perfect case study to delve into these concepts.

First, let's calculate the momentum of Cart 1 just before it strikes Cart 2. By using the formula Momentum = mass * velocity, we find that the momentum of Cart 1 is 5600 kg·m/s, given its mass of 400 kg and velocity of 14 m/s.

Next, after the collision, Cart 1 rollbacks while Cart 2 is launched. To determine the velocity of Cart 2 post-collision, we apply the principle of conservation of momentum. Since Cart 1's momentum becomes zero after the collision, Cart 2's momentum equals that of Cart 1 before the collision, which is 5600 kg·m/s. Using the equation Momentum = mass * velocity for Cart 2, we calculate the velocity to be 9.33 m/s.

Lastly, the momentum of Cart 2 can be found by substituting its mass and velocity into the momentum equation, resulting in a final momentum of 5598 kg·m/s.

Understanding momentum and collisions in physics opens up a world of knowledge about the interactions of objects in motion. To explore more about this fascinating topic, check out the link below!