Momentum/velocity/position graphs

[hhq5000]

Homework Statement

Two identical gliders are floating at rest on an air track. Glider 1 is given a quick push in the positive x-direction towards glider 2. When they hit, they stick together. The graphs below describe some of the variables associated with the motion as a function of time . The graphs begin recording data just after the push of glider 1 is completed.

Given the experiment as described above: for each of the items below, identify which graph, if assigned the appropriate scale, could properly describe the given variable as a function of time. Each graph may be used once, more than once, or not at all. If none of the graphs shown describe the quantity in question, record (J) as your response.


1.) The net force on glider 1
2.) The momentum of glider 2
3.) The position of glider 1
4.) The net force on glider 2
5.) The velocity of glider 1
6.) The total momentum of the system (consisting of both gliders)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

For number 3, i thought the position of glider 1 would be graph E, since the glider is on a frictionless surface

for the other 5 questions, i really can't visualize it. I am just not any good with graphs

 

[Mindscrape]

Yeah, you are right about the position, but I don't follow your comment about the surface being frictionless relating.

You should focus on the easiest parts first, which to me would be momentum. What is the momentum of the first car? How about the second? Since momentum is always conserved, what is the system momentum - does it relate to the first car, the second car, or both?

Two of the graphs looks like they have equal magnitudes, but are negative, what physical law would that describe?

 

[m2003]

I would like to provide a comprehensive response to this content. First, let's start by defining momentum, velocity, and position. Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, and it is a measure of how much motion an object has. Velocity is the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. Position is the location of an object in space.

Now, let's take a closer look at the experiment described. Two identical gliders are initially at rest on an air track. Glider 1 is given a quick push in the positive x-direction, towards glider 2. When they collide, they stick together. The graphs provided describe the variables associated with the motion of the gliders as a function of time.

1. The net force on glider 1 - This would be represented by graph D. The net force on glider 1 is initially zero, as it is at rest. However, as it is given a push, the force increases and then drops to zero again after the collision with glider 2.

2. The momentum of glider 2 - This would be represented by graph F. The momentum of glider 2 is initially zero, as it is at rest. However, after the collision, the momentum increases as it now has the combined momentum of both gliders.

3. The position of glider 1 - This would be represented by graph E. The position of glider 1 remains constant at zero until it is given a push, after which it increases linearly until the collision with glider 2.

4. The net force on glider 2 - This would be represented by graph D. The net force on glider 2 is initially zero, as it is at rest. However, after the collision, the force increases and then drops to zero again.

5. The velocity of glider 1 - This would be represented by graph C. The velocity of glider 1 is initially zero, as it is at rest. However, after the push, the velocity increases and then drops to zero again after the collision with glider 2.

6. The total momentum of the system (consisting of both gliders) - This would be represented by graph F. The total momentum of the system is initially zero, as both gliders are at rest. However, after the collision, the total momentum increases and remains constant.

It