PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Two identical carts, A and B, each of mass 2.0kg, are initially at rest and pressed together by a compressed spring held by a latch on a frictionless track. A student then pushes cart A to the right with a constant horizontal force of 8.0N for 0.25s and releases it. Immediately afterward, the latch is released, allowing the spring to push the carts apart. Ignore friction and the mass of the spring.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the net impulse delivered to the two-cart system during the student’s push.
(b) After the spring pushes them apart, cart A moves rightward at 1.2m/s. Determine the velocity (magnitude and direction) of cart B just after separation.