Calculating Total Momentum of a System with Two Moving Automobiles

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To find the center of mass of the two automobiles, the positions and masses must be considered, factoring in the distance between them. The total momentum of the system can be calculated using the formula p = mv, where m is mass and v is velocity for each vehicle. The speed of the center of mass can be determined by the weighted average of their speeds based on mass. Finally, the total momentum can also be calculated using the center of mass speed. Engaging with the problems step-by-step is encouraged for better understanding.
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A 1200-kg station wagon is moving along a straight highway at 12.0 m/s. Another car, with mass 1800 kg and speed 20.0 m/s, has its center of mass 40.0 m ahead of the center of mass of the station wagon.

a)Find the position of the center of mass of the system consisting of the two automobiles.

b) Find the magnitude of the total momentum of the system from the above data.

c) Find the speed of the center of mass of the system.

d) Find the total momentum of the system, using the speed of the center of mass.
 
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Nice questions, have you tried to answer them?
 
MAPgirl23 said:
A 1200-kg station wagon is moving along a straight highway at 12.0 m/s. Another car, with mass 1800 kg and speed 20.0 m/s, has its center of mass 40.0 m ahead of the center of mass of the station wagon.

a)Find the position of the center of mass of the system consisting of the two automobiles.

b) Find the magnitude of the total momentum of the system from the above data.

c) Find the speed of the center of mass of the system.

d) Find the total momentum of the system, using the speed of the center of mass.

Please read the sticky in the section that both of your questions have been moved to. I would also suggest you post ONE question at a time, because it appears that what you're asking for have a common theme. Learn from one and apply it to do the other.

However, no one will do the work for you. You have to indicate what you know and where you are stuck.

Zz.
 
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