Momentum Transfer: Does Light Mass Gain Momentum?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of momentum transfer in a mechanical system involving two masses (M1 and M2) and a body to which they are attached. Participants explore whether the body gains momentum when M1 collides with it after momentum has been imparted from M2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a mechanical arrangement where momentum is transferred from mass M2 to mass M1, questioning if the attached body gains momentum as a result.
  • Another participant assumes the body is heavier than the combined mass of M1 and M2, which may influence the outcome of the momentum transfer.
  • A participant asserts that if the body is not rigidly attached to the system, it will move when momentum is imparted.
  • Another participant agrees that momentum has been imparted and suggests that M1 and M2 cannot be rigidly attached, indicating that motion must be transferred to the body.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the rigidity of the attachment between the body and the masses, leading to a lack of consensus on whether the body gains momentum.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions about the rigidity of the attachment and the relative masses of the components are not fully resolved, which may affect the conclusions drawn from the discussion.

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http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/476/explainimageiy6.jpg

The blue ball is a gear actually, with 2 racks on both its side which are attached to 2 masses each (M1 = M2).

If momentum is made to gain in the arrangement from the side M2...it will also impart momentum to M1.

Suppose all this happens in a body to which the whole arrangement is attached.

And this motion is stopped by colliding M1 to this body itself.

Will this body gain momentum (if its light)?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Assume the body to be heavier than M1+M2
 
Is this forum active?
 
as long as the body is not rigidly attached to the system given in the picture, it will move.
 
Same opinion with me...actually that can't happen cause momentum has been imparted...M1 and M2 cannot be rigidly attached.

So motion has to be transferred.

Thanks for confirming.
 

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