A cart is moving toward the right with an initial speed of on a level

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A 2.0 kg2.0\,\text{kg} cart is moving toward the right with an initial speed of 3.0 m s−13.0\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1} on a level, frictionless track. A horizontal force FF acts on the cart according to the piecewise-constant description below (positive is to the right).
Time interval Δt\Delta t (s)Force FF (N)
0≤t<0.200 \le t < 0.20+15+15
0.20≤t<0.500.20 \le t < 0.50  0\;0
0.50≤t<0.800.50 \le t < 0.80−10-10
After t=0.80 st = 0.80\,\text s the force is zero. Answer the following questions, showing all reasoning clearly and expressing final answers with appropriate units. (a) Calculate the impulse delivered to the cart during each of the three time intervals shown in the table. (b) Determine the net impulse delivered to the cart over the entire 0.80 s0.80\,\text s interval. (c) Using your result from part (b), calculate the speed and direction of the cart immediately after t=0.80 st = 0.80\,\text s. Clearly indicate the direction of motion.

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