PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum
Problem
A 1.50kg cart travels to the right at 2.00m⋅s−1 on a level, low–friction track. Ahead of it, a 0.50kg cart moves in the same direction at 1.00m⋅s−1. The carts collide, and sensors record that the heavier cart slows to 1.20m⋅s−1 immediately after contact. The interaction lasts for 0.020s.
(a) Determine the speed and direction of the lighter cart immediately after the collision.
(b) Calculate the average force exerted on the lighter cart during the collision.
(c) Using appropriate physical principles, find the average force exerted on the heavier cart and explain the relationship between the two average forces you have calculated.
(d) Compute the total external impulse on the two–cart system during the interaction and evaluate whether it is reasonable to treat the system as isolated for momentum analysis in this experiment.