Momentum Change: Car vs. Truck Collision Comparison

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In summary, the conversation discusses a head-on collision between a compact car and a large truck, and the question of which vehicle undergoes a larger momentum change. The speaker initially believes it is the car due to the truck's larger mass, but then questions whether momentum is conserved in the collision. The hint suggests that the momentum change for the system equals the sum of the changes for each individual vehicle. The answer to the question is that the momentum change is the same for both vehicles, as momentum is conserved in the collision. The final statement is true.
  • #1
Jatsix30
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A compact car and a large truck collide head on and stick together. Which undergoes the larger momentum change? 1) Truck, 2) Car, 3) The momentum change is the same for both vehicles, or 4) Cannot tell without knowing the final velocity of the combined mass.

:uhh: i thought it was car, since the large mass of the truck increases the combined mass more so for the car, thus p=mv would be increased more also... bleh, I'm kinda new at momentum
 
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  • #2
Question for you: Is momentum conserved in the collision?
 
  • #3
I think momentum is conserved... so would the momentum change be the same for the car and truck?
 
  • #4
Hint:
Is the following statement true or false:

The momentum change of the system equals the sum of the momentum changes for car and truck.
 

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a physical quantity that measures an object's motion. It is the product of an object's mass and velocity.

2. How is momentum calculated?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (m) by its velocity (v). The formula for momentum is p = m * v.

3. What are the units for momentum?

The units for momentum are kilograms (kg) multiplied by meters per second (m/s). This can also be written as kg * m/s.

4. What is the law of conservation of momentum?

The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. This means that in a closed system, the total momentum before a collision or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the collision or interaction.

5. How is momentum used in real life?

Momentum is used in many real-life situations, such as in sports, transportation, and engineering. In sports, momentum is used to measure the impact of an object, such as a ball or a player, in motion. In transportation, understanding momentum is important for designing and controlling vehicles. In engineering, momentum is utilized in the design and construction of structures and machines, such as bridges and turbines.

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