Momentum - two car system

In summary, the total momentum of the two-car system is 47700 kgm/s. This is found by calculating the x and y components of the momentum of each car and adding them together. The correct answer is obtained by taking the square root of the sum of the squared x and y components. It is important to note that the x components of momentum are in opposite directions for each car, leading to a negative value for one of the components. Once this is corrected, the correct answer is obtained.
  • #1
mybrohshi5
365
0

Homework Statement



Two identical cars (m = 1350 kg) are traveling at the same speed (25 m/s). Car A is going 30 degrees East of North and car B is going 60 degrees West of North. What is the magnitude of the total momentum of the two-car system.

Homework Equations



p = mv

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the x and y components of the momentum of each car. Then i added the similar components together. So then to find the momentum of the system i took the sqrt of the x and y components squared and added together.

x component car A
1350kg(25m/s)(cos60) = 16875

x component of car B
1350kg(25m/s)(cos30) = 29228

Total x component momentum = 46103y component of car A
1350kg(25m/s)(sin60) = 29228

y component of car B
1350kg(25m/s)(sin30) = 16875

Total y component momentum = 46103so the total momentum of the system is

P_total = sqrt ((46103^2) + (46102^2))

P_total = 65199 kgm/s

This is wrong though.

The correct answer is 47700 kgm/s

Can anyone help me get the right answer.

Thank you :)
 
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  • #2
x components of momentum are in the opposite direction.
So
total x component momentum = ...?
 
  • #3
x component of car B is actually

-29228 so the total x component is -12353

so the total momentum of the system is

P_total = sqrt ((46103^2) + (-12353^2))

P_total = 47730kgm/s

:)

Thank you
 

What is momentum?

Momentum is a physical quantity that describes the motion of an object. It is the product of an object's mass and velocity, and is a measure of the object's tendency to continue moving in its current direction.

How is momentum calculated?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (m) by its velocity (v). The equation for momentum is p = mv. The SI unit for momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg*m/s).

What is the law of conservation of momentum?

The law of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before a collision or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the collision or interaction. This means that momentum is conserved and cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects.

How does momentum affect a two-car system?

In a two-car system, the total momentum of the system before a collision or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the collision or interaction. This means that the momentum of one car will be transferred to the other car, resulting in changes in velocity and direction of both cars.

How does mass and velocity affect momentum in a two-car system?

In a two-car system, the momentum of each car is directly proportional to its mass and velocity. This means that a car with a larger mass or higher velocity will have a greater momentum, and will transfer more momentum to the other car in a collision or interaction.

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