Momentum of objects acted upon by same force

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrhingle
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force Momentum
AI Thread Summary
When two identical objects are propelled by a compressed spring, they initially move away from each other at the same velocity. Adding mass to one object alters its momentum, leading to a slower velocity for that object compared to the lighter one. The force exerted by the spring remains constant, but the distribution of momentum changes due to the increased mass. This results in the lighter object moving faster than the heavier one after the release. The discussion highlights the principles of conservation of momentum and energy in this context.
mrhingle
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
Suppose two of the same objects are separated by a compressed spring. The compression is released and the objects are directed away from one another at the same velocity. Add mass to one of the objects. What happens, why?

I would guess the object with the larger mass moves slower and the object without the added mass moves at the same speed because the force did not change. But it seems as thought the object without the added mass would move faster. Any ideas??
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mrhingle said:
Suppose two of the same objects are separated by a compressed spring. The compression is released and the objects are directed away from one another at the same velocity. Add mass to one of the objects. What happens, why?

I would guess the object with the larger mass moves slower and the object without the added mass moves at the same speed because the force did not change. But it seems as thought the object without the added mass would move faster. Any ideas??

Conservation of momentum and conservation of energy.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Distance between rocket and object
Replies
30
Views
2K
Distribution of Energy when work is done on a system of 2 masses connected by a spring
Replies
17
Views
2K
Conservation of Energy with Gravitational Potential Energy
Replies
6
Views
2K
Calculating the spring force constant K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Center of mass and momentum- A question about systems
Replies
25
Views
1K
Free Body Diagram of Mass-Spring System
Replies
5
Views
1K
Question about the conservation of mechanical energy
Replies
7
Views
2K
Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
Replies
29
Views
2K
Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
Replies
13
Views
1K
Force decreased but velocity continues to increase
Replies
6
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top