How Does Velocity Change in a Two-Cart Collision?

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In the discussion about the two-cart collision, the student examines the velocities of two carts before and after a collision on a low-friction track. For part A, the student calculates that cart 2 must have an initial velocity of 0 m/s in the Earth reference frame for it to come to rest in the student's frame after the collision. In part B, the momentum of the two-cart system is calculated using the formula p = mv, resulting in a total momentum of -0.19 kg*m/s. The student expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the initial velocity for cart 2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding reference frames in collision problems.
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Homework Statement


A student runs an experiment with two carts on a low-friction track. As measured in the Earth reference frame, cart 1 (m = 0.57 kg ) moves from left to right at 1.0 m/s as the student walks along next to it at the same velocity. Let the +x direction be to the right.
A. What velocity v⃗ E2,i in the Earth reference frame must cart 2 (m = 0.19 kg ) have before the collision if, in the student's reference frame, cart 2 comes to rest right after the collision and cart 1 travels from right to left at0.33 m/s?
B. What does the student measure for the momentum of the two-cart system?

Homework Equations


p = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


A. v = 0 m/s

B. p = m1*v1 +m2*v2
p = (0.57 kg)(-0.33 m/s) + (0.19 kg)(0 m/s)
p = -0.19 kg*m/s

Do my answers look correct?
 
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Manh said:
A. v = 0 m/s
doesn't look right to me. Please post your working.
 
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