Total Momentum of A and B = 2mV0

  • Thread starter Thread starter kitty9035
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total momentum of two identical objects A and B, each with mass M, moving on a one-dimensional air track is calculated using the formula P=mv. Object A moves at a speed of 3V0 and object B at V0. The correct total momentum of the system is expressed as P_total = M(3V0) + M(V0) = 4MV0, confirming that the initial calculation of 2m + 4v0 was incorrect due to algebraic misinterpretation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum calculation (P=mv)
  • Basic algebra skills for combining like terms
  • Knowledge of one-dimensional motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of identical masses in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of momentum conservation in collisions
  • Study the effects of frictionless surfaces on motion
  • Learn about elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Explore advanced algebra techniques for simplifying expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and momentum, as well as educators looking for examples of momentum calculations in one-dimensional motion.

kitty9035
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Two identical objects A and B of mass M move on a one-dimensional, horizontal air track. Object B initially moves to the right with speed V0. Object A initially moves to the right with speed 3V0, so that it collides with object B. Friction is negligble. Determine the total momentum of the system of the two objects. Express answers in terms of M and V0.

Homework Equations



P=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



I got an answer,but i would like verification that it's right.

I did...

Pa=(Ma)(Va) Pb=(Mb)(Vb)
Pa=m(3V0) Pb=m(V0)


Add them together...
m(3V0) + m(V0)

and get...

2m + 4v0
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kitty9035 said:
Add them together...
m(3V0) + m(V0)

and get...

2m + 4v0


That is so wrong and you know it.
 
No, I really don't. What's right?
 
Don't you notice that the expression 2m + 4v0 is non-sense? If not, I suggest you go study some algebra.
 
You're OK up to that last step. 2m + 4v0 does not make any sense. You cannot separate out the variables like that.

What's the answer to this:

3x + x = ?

If you understand that, you should see what the answer should be.
 

Similar threads

Conservation of angular and linear momentum
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
Speed of a disc after a collision
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Momentum dealing with decay, special relativity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Is the Book Right? Examining Conservation of Momentum
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Distance between rocket and object
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Ambiguous question on momentum and how it works...
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Momentum of Cube: Magnitude and In-Between Speed
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Angular Momentum of a Ball at Half Height
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Upward and downward movement of a rocket with the equation of motion
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Ratio h/R for a Spinning Billiard Ball?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K