Why do masses cancel out when calculating y-components of momentum?

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In momentum calculations, the mass of colliding objects often cancels out when analyzing y-components due to their opposite directions. This cancellation occurs because momentum is a vector quantity, and when two objects collide, their momenta can negate each other. The textbook explanation may not clarify this concept effectively, leading to confusion. The original poster initially sought clarification but later realized their misunderstanding. Understanding the vector nature of momentum is key to grasping why mass cancels in these scenarios.
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Why is it that in many momentum questions, the mass gets canceled out when calculating y-components of momentum? All it says in my textbook is that they cancell out since the colliding objects are going in opposite directions, but this doesn't make any sense to me. Can someone please help?
 
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Can you type exactly what your book says. I think you might be misreading it.
 
nm, i misread something, i figured it out though so don't worry
 

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