Two smooth carts and of masses and respectively move along the same straight

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

Problem

Two smooth carts

A

and

B

of masses

2\,\text{kg}

and

3\,\text{kg}

respectively move along the same straight, frictionless track. Cart

A

travels at

5\,\text{m s}^{-1}

and cart

B

2\,\text{m s}^{-1}

, both in the same direction. After they collide, the speed of cart

A

is observed to be

1.5\,\text{m s}^{-1}

in the original direction. (i) Calculate the speed of cart

B

immediately after the collision. (ii) Determine the amount of kinetic energy lost in the collision.