Change in Momentum of shopping cart

In summary, a 12kg shopping cart initially traveling south at 1.5m/s strikes a car and then travels at 0.80m/s at 30 degrees east of south. Using the equation p=mv, the change in momentum is calculated to be 16N at an angle of 58 degrees north of east.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A 12kg shopping cart rolls due south at 1.5m/s. After striking the bumper of a car, it travels at 0.80m/s at 30. degrees E of South. What is the magnitude and direction of the change in momentum sustained by the shopping cart?

Homework Equations


p = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


initial py = mv = 12kg * 1.5m/s = -18N
initial px = 0
final py = mv = 12kg * sin30 * 0.8m/s = -4.8N
final px = 12kg * cos30 * 0.8m/s = 8.31N
change in py = -4.8 + 18+ = 13.2N
change in px = 8.31N
magnitude of change in p = square root of (13.2N2 + 8.31N2) = 16N
angle of change in p = tan-1(13.2N/8.31N) = 58 degrees North of East

What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Have you drawn a diagram? Are you sure your "final py" and "final px" are correct? Remember that your y direction is south.
 
  • #3
Nathanael said:
Have you drawn a diagram? Are you sure your "final py" and "final px" are correct? Remember that your y direction is south.

I did draw a diagram, but it turned out to be incorrect -- I was thinking south of east instead of east of south. Thanks for your help!
 

1. What is the definition of momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity.

2. What is the equation for calculating change in momentum?

The equation for calculating change in momentum is ∆p = m∆v, where ∆p is the change in momentum, m is the mass of the object, and ∆v is the change in velocity.

3. How does a change in mass affect the momentum of a shopping cart?

A change in mass will directly affect the momentum of a shopping cart. If the mass increases, the momentum will also increase, and if the mass decreases, the momentum will decrease.

4. How does a change in velocity affect the momentum of a shopping cart?

A change in velocity will also directly affect the momentum of a shopping cart. If the velocity increases, the momentum will also increase, and if the velocity decreases, the momentum will decrease.

5. What factors can cause a change in momentum of a shopping cart?

There are several factors that can cause a change in momentum of a shopping cart, including changes in mass, velocity, and direction of motion. Other factors such as external forces (e.g. friction) and collisions can also affect the momentum of a shopping cart.

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