Two identical carts

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics C: Mechanics · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum

Problem

Two identical carts, each of mass 0.50 kg0.50\,\text{kg}, move along a straight, frictionless track. Cart A moves to the right at 4.0 m/s4.0\,\text{m/s} and collides head-on with cart B, which is initially at rest. The collision is perfectly elastic. Which of the following lists the speeds of the carts immediately after the collision? (a) Cart A: 2.0 m/s2.0\,\text{m/s}; Cart B: 2.0 m/s2.0\,\text{m/s} (b) Cart A: 0 m/s0\,\text{m/s}; Cart B: 4.0 m/s4.0\,\text{m/s} (c) Cart A: 4.0 m/s4.0\,\text{m/s}; Cart B: 0 m/s0\,\text{m/s} (d) Cart A: 2.8 m/s2.8\,\text{m/s}; Cart B: 1.2 m/s1.2\,\text{m/s}

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