During a head-on collision

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum

Problem

During a head-on collision, the force exerted by cart B on cart A along their line of motion varies with time according to F(t)=2.0×104t (N)F(t)=2.0 \times 10^4 t\ (\text{N}) for 0≤t≤0.003 s0 \le t \le 0.003\,\text{s}, and becomes zero afterward. Cart A has mass 0.20 kg0.20\,\text{kg} and moves to the right at 3.0 m/s3.0\,\text{m/s} just before impact. Cart B has mass 0.30 kg0.30\,\text{kg} and moves to the left at 2.0 m/s2.0\,\text{m/s} just before impact. (a) Calculate the impulse delivered to cart A. (b) Determine the velocity of cart A immediately after the collision. (c) Using only the result of part (a), find the velocity of cart B immediately after the collision.

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