Question

A diagram labeled Before Collision shows two train cars moving toward each other. The car on the left is labeled m Subscript 1 Baseline = 600 kilograms and v Subscript 1 Baseline 4 meters per second. The car on the right is labeled m Subscript 2 Baseline = 400 kilograms and v Subscript 2 Baseline negative 2 meters per second. A second drawing labeled After Collision shows two train cars moving away from each other.
Consider a system to be two train cars traveling toward each other.


What is the total momentum of the system before the train cars collide?



kg •


What must the total momentum of the system be after the train cars collide?



kg •

Answer 1

(a) The total momentum of the system before the train cars collide is 1,600 kgm/s.

(b) The total momentum of the system be after the train cars collide is 1,600 kgm/s.

What is the total momentum of the car system before the collision?

The total momentum of the car system before the collision is determined by applying the formula for linear momentum.

Pi = m₁u₁ + m₂u₂

where;

• m₁ is the mass of the car on the right
• m₂ is the mass of the car on the left
• u₁ is the initial velocity of the right
• u₂ is the initial velocity of the car on the left

Let the rightward direction = positive

Let the leftward direction = negative

Pi = (600 kg x 4 m/s)  +  (400 kg) x (-2 m/s)

Pi = 2,400 kgm/s  -  800 kgm/s

Pi = 1,600 kgm/s

Based on the law of conservation of linear momentum, the sum of the initial momentum of an isolated system is equal to the sum of the final momentum of the system

Pf = Pi = 1,600 kgm/s.

Learn more about conservation of linear momentum here: brainly.com/question/7538238

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