Two identical carts collide head-on on a horizontal track in three separate trials

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum

Problem

Two identical 0.50 kg0.50\,\text{kg} carts collide head-on on a horizontal track in three separate trials. The measured velocities just before (viv_i) and just after (vfv_f) each collision are shown. Trial 1: Cart A vi=+1.2 m ⁣/sv_i=+1.2\,\text{m\!/s}, Cart B vi=−1.2 m ⁣/sv_i=-1.2\,\text{m\!/s}; Cart A vf=−1.1 m ⁣/sv_f=-1.1\,\text{m\!/s}, Cart B vf=+1.1 m ⁣/sv_f=+1.1\,\text{m\!/s} Trial 2: Cart A vi=+1.5 m ⁣/sv_i=+1.5\,\text{m\!/s}, Cart B vi=−0.5 m ⁣/sv_i=-0.5\,\text{m\!/s}; Cart A vf=+0.5 m ⁣/sv_f=+0.5\,\text{m\!/s}, Cart B vf=−1.5 m ⁣/sv_f=-1.5\,\text{m\!/s} Trial 3: Cart A vi=+1.0 m ⁣/sv_i=+1.0\,\text{m\!/s}, Cart B vi=−1.0 m ⁣/sv_i=-1.0\,\text{m\!/s}; Cart A vf=0v_f=0, Cart B vf=0v_f=0 Based on these data, which trial is most consistent with a perfectly elastic collision? (a) None of the trials (b) Trial 2 only (c) Trial 1 only (d) Trials 1 and 2

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