Projectile-car system and momentum

In summary, the conversation discusses using momentum to solve a problem involving a rocket and a car. The individual has found the x-velocity of the projectile and has calculated the car's velocity to be 0.866 m/s, but the given solution states the car's velocity should be 11.5 m/s. The individual is unsure of where the mistake could be and the other person in the conversation does not have an answer either. However, they mention that 11.5 m/s could be the time it takes the car to move 10 meters.
  • #1
Kolika28
146
28
Homework Statement
I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. When it comes to this problem
Relevant Equations
Moment=velocity*mass
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I have done question 1. But I'm struggling with the other one. So since the only thing I know about the rocket is the mass and the velocity, I guess I have to use momentum to solve this problem. From the first question, I found out that the x-velocity of the projectile is ##v_x=5 m/s*cos(30)=4,33 m/s##. I assume that the momentum of the projectile and the car is 0 before launching the projectile. So ##0=m_{projectile}*v_{projectile}+m_{car}*v_{car}=4,33m/s*1kg-5kg*v_{car}##. Then I get that ##v_{car}=0,866 m/s##. But in the solution I'm given the answer should be ##11,5 m/s##. What I'm a doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
Yes, momentum is the way to solve it, and I got the same answer you did.
No idea where the book's answer is coming from. It has the more massive car moving faster than the projectile it fired, which violates horizontal momentum conservation.

11,5 is how many seconds it takes that car to move 10 meters, if that's any help.
 
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  • #3
Halc said:
Yes, momentum is the way to solve it, and I got the same answer you did.
No idea where the book's answer is coming from. It has the more massive car moving faster than the projectile it fired, which violates horizontal momentum conservation.
Thank you so much for the answer. I don't know either what's wrong with the solution. But it is good to know that I'm right at least. Thank you again!
 
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