Total Momentum and Comparing Momentums After Collision

[box17]

Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions (3-5).
Two blocks, A and B traveling towards each other with equal momenta on a frictionless surface are separated by a spring of negligible mass. The mass of block A is twice that of block B.
Compared with the total momentum of the blocks before the collision, the total momentum after the collision is:

a) the same

b) one-half as great

c) twice as great

d) four times as great
Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions (3-5).
Two blocks, A and B traveling towards each other with equal momenta on a frictionless surface are separated by a spring of negligible mass. The mass of block A is twice that of block B.
After the collision, the magnitude of the momentum of block A compared with that of block B is

a) one-half as great

b) twice as great

c) four times as great

d) the same
Use the diagram below to answer the next three questions (3-5).
Two blocks, A and B traveling towards each other with equal momenta on a frictionless surface are separated by a spring of negligible mass. The mass of block A is twice that of block B.
After the collision, the magnitude of the velocity of block A compared with that of block B is

a) the same

b) twice as great

c) one-half as great

d) four times as great

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi box17! Welcome to PF!

(to clarify: the 3 questions are the same, except that they ask for 1. total momentum 2. compare the momentums 3. compare the velocities)

Tell us what you think the answers are, and then we'll comment.

Start with 1. and 2. ​