Finding the Momentums of Two Cars in a System

In summary, two cars, a blue convertible and a red sport utility vehicle, with masses of 1500kg and 2100kg respectively, have a total momentum of 7500kg*m/s directed at an angle of 65.0 degrees west of south. To find the speeds of each car, the total momentum vector must be split into components pointed south and west, and the appropriate velocities for each car can then be determined.
  • #1
kdizzle711
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Homework Statement


A blue convertible of mass 1500kg is traveling south, and a red sport utility vehicle of mass 2100kg is traveling west. The total momentum of the system consisting of the two cars is 7500kg*m/s directed at an angle 65.0 west of south.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Where do I start with this one?
 
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  • #2
what is the question?
 
  • #3
What is the speed of the blue car?

What is the speed of the red car?
 
  • #4
still looking for some start
 
  • #5
Split the total momentum vector into the sum of a component pointed south and a component pointed west. That gives you the momentum of each car. Now find the appropriate velocities.
 

1. What is momentum of the system?

Momentum of the system is a measure of the total amount of motion of all the objects within a closed system. It takes into account both the mass and velocity of each object in the system.

2. How is momentum calculated?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity. The equation for momentum is: p = m x v.

3. What is the relationship between force and momentum?

Force is directly proportional to the rate of change of momentum. This means that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its change in momentum will be.

4. Can momentum be conserved?

Yes, according to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This means that in a closed system, the total momentum before and after an event will be the same.

5. How does momentum affect collisions?

In a collision between two objects, momentum is conserved. This means that the total momentum of the objects before the collision will be the same as the total momentum after the collision. However, the distribution of momentum between the objects may change, resulting in changes in their velocities.

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