The total system momentum vector before the collision is approximately

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total system momentum vector before the collision of two vehicles, Car X and Car Y, is calculated to be approximately 1414 kg x m/s toward the northeast. Car X moves east at 1.000 m/s and Car Y moves north at 1.000 m/s, each with a mass of 1000 kg. The momentum of each vehicle is determined using vector addition, specifically applying the Pythagorean theorem to find the resultant vector. This calculation confirms that the correct answer is option b, 1414 kg x m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically momentum.
  • Familiarity with vector addition and its graphical representation.
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem for calculating resultant vectors.
  • Basic understanding of mass and velocity in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition techniques in physics, focusing on graphical methods.
  • Learn about momentum calculations in two-dimensional motion.
  • Explore the Pythagorean theorem applications in physics problems.
  • Review collision physics, including elastic and inelastic collisions.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and momentum, as well as educators seeking to clarify vector addition and momentum concepts in real-world scenarios.

Acestein
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Envision a minor motor-vehicle accident. Car X backs out of a parking space at 1.000m/s toward the east. Car Y, whose driver searches for a place to park, travels north at 1.000m/s. Neither driver sees the other car, and the cars collide. Suppose that each car (including its driver) has a mass of 1000kg. The total system momentum vector before the collision is approximately?

a) 1000kg x m/s toward the northeast.
b) 1414 kg x m/s toward the northeast.
c) 2000kg x m/s toward the northeast.
d) zero, because the vehicles haven't hit each other yet!

It is said to be answer b, but I'm not sure how the textbook arrived at this conclusion.
Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Okay so draw a vector sum. Draw at arrow going east for X and an arrow going north for Y, find each of their momentums and ... Hint: triangles
 


I haven't been taught to use triangles yet. So I'm a bit confused. I know that it involves pythagoras therom and i got the answer of 1414, but I'm not sure how it fits in.
 

Similar threads

Collision accident/involves momemntum
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Momentum in a perfectly inelastic collision
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Help with question on motion: Avoiding a rear-end collision
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Momentum: why don't the two carts become one?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Cars Collide on a Hill, Conservation of Momentum
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Car Crash Analysis: Analyzing Friction & Speed
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Is my logic right for the answer to this inelastic car collision question?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Initial velocity in an inelastic collision
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Does Angular Momentum Conservation Affect Asteroid Collision Dynamics?
  • · Replies 335 ·
12
Replies
335
Views
17K