Cheesy74
Feb11-09, 03:59 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
If an object with momentum n going right collides with an object with momentum 2n going left, will the right-moving object go left at momentum n while the left-moving object stops, or will both objects move left at momentum n/2?
3. The attempt at a solution
Obviously, the opposing forces are going to cancel out, but I'm not sure if the remaining n momentum is going to be distributed between both objects or not. Could someone give me a quick solution here?
If an object with momentum n going right collides with an object with momentum 2n going left, will the right-moving object go left at momentum n while the left-moving object stops, or will both objects move left at momentum n/2?
3. The attempt at a solution
Obviously, the opposing forces are going to cancel out, but I'm not sure if the remaining n momentum is going to be distributed between both objects or not. Could someone give me a quick solution here?