How Does Velocity Change in a Two-Cart Collision?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Manh
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum System
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two carts colliding on a low-friction track. Cart 1, with a mass of 0.57 kg, moves at 1.0 m/s in the Earth reference frame, while cart 2, with a mass of 0.19 kg, must have a velocity of 0 m/s before the collision to ensure it comes to rest in the student's reference frame. After the collision, cart 1 travels at -0.33 m/s. The total momentum of the system is calculated to be -0.19 kg*m/s, confirming the conservation of momentum principle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum (p = mv)
  • Knowledge of reference frames in physics
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
  • Familiarity with low-friction dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conservation of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Learn about reference frames and their impact on velocity measurements
  • Explore low-friction systems and their applications in physics experiments
  • Review problem-solving techniques for physics homework problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision problems, as well as educators looking for examples of momentum conservation in practical scenarios.

Manh
Messages
62
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Manh said:
A. v = 0 m/s
doesn't look right to me. Please post your working.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K