Two small trolleys of masses and are initially at rest on a smooth
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Two small trolleys of masses 2kg and 3kg are initially at rest on a smooth, horizontal track. They are pressed together by a light spring placed between them. When the spring is released, the 2kg trolley moves to the right with a speed of 0.75ms−1. Using these data, answer the following:
(i) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the linear momentum of the 2kg trolley immediately after release.
(ii) Determine the speed and direction of the 3kg trolley immediately after release.
(iii) Show that the total linear momentum of the two-trolley system is conserved during the release of the spring.