A physics student investigates the motion of a hockey puck on a nearly friction-free…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A physics student investigates the motion of a 0.16kg hockey puck on a nearly friction-free frozen pond. At one instant the puck is gliding toward the east at 12m/s.
(a) Describe what is meant by the linear momentum of the puck and state the appropriate SI units.
(b) Explain, without performing any numerical calculation, how the direction of the puck’s momentum at this instant relates to its velocity.
(c) Suppose that later the puck is observed moving toward the west at the same speed of 12m/s. Compare the magnitude and direction of the puck’s momentum in this later situation with the initial momentum, and justify your answer.