Question

Two cars initially at rest on a frictionless surface are blown apart by an explosion. The one with twice the mass ends up moving to the right at 10 meters/second. The less massive car ends up moving to the left at what speed

Answer 1

Answer:

v = 20 m/s

Explanation:

Given that :

Initial Velocity of cars (u) = 0

Car with smaller mass = m

Car with larger mass = 2m

Final velocity of smaller mass = v

Final velocity of larger mass v2 = 10

Using the relation :

Initial momentum = final momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Since u = 0

m1v1 + m2v2 = 0

mv + 2m * 10 = 0

mv + 20m = 0

mv = 20m

v = 20m / m

v = 20

Final velocity of larger mass car will be 20 m/s