PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Three identical spheres, each of mass 2.0 kg, are launched simultaneously from the same point on a frictionless horizontal surface. Sphere 1 moves at 5.0 m/s due east, Sphere 2 moves at 5.0 m/s 120∘ counter-clockwise from east, and Sphere 3 moves at 5.0 m/s 240∘ counter-clockwise from east.
External horizontal forces are negligible.
(a) For each sphere, calculate the east (x) and north (y) components of its momentum.
(b) Determine the magnitude and direction of the total momentum of the three-sphere system.
(c) State whether your result in part (b) would change if the spheres all had different masses, provided their speeds and launch directions remained the same. Briefly justify your answer.