Two low-friction carts are placed on a straight horizontal track
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
Two low-friction carts are placed on a straight horizontal track. Cart 1, of mass m1, moves to the right with speed v0. Cart 2, of mass m2, is initially at rest. The bumpers are covered with Velcro so the carts latch together when they collide.
(a) Define an appropriate system for analyzing the collision and state which physical quantity is conserved for that system. Justify your choice in terms of external forces during the short collision interval.
(b) After the collision the two carts move together with a common speed vf. Without doing any algebraic calculations, explain qualitatively why vf must be less than v0 whenever m2 is not zero.
(c) The total mechanical energy of the two-cart system is different before and after the collision. Describe, in words, where the "missing" kinetic energy goes and cite at least two specific physical mechanisms that account for the energy transfer.