PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Five objects P, Q, R, S, and T move along the same straight line. Their masses and velocities at one instant are listed in the table.
Object | Mass (kg) | Velocity (m/s)
P | 1.5 | +4.0
Q | 3.0 | –1.5
R | 0.75 | +6.0
S | 2.0 | +2.0
T | 4.0 | –0.50
(The positive direction is to the right.)
(a) Calculate the linear momentum of each object. Present your answers numerically with appropriate units and sign.
(b) Rank the objects according to the magnitude of their momentum, from greatest to least. Clearly indicate any ties.
(c) Determine the net (vector) linear momentum of the entire five-object system at this instant. State both the magnitude and the direction.