Grade 12 · Science
Conserve momentum in a one-dimensional model
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A 1 kg cart at +4 m/s sticks to a stationary 3 kg cart with negligible external impulse. What is the final velocity?
- 4 m/s
- 1 m/s
- 2 m/s
- 3 m/s
See the answer & why
1 m/s
Total momentum = 4 kg·m/s and total mass = 4 kg, giving +1 m/s.
A little hint: Choose a positive direction and calculate total initial momentum as the sum of mass × signed velocity.
Choose a positive direction and calculate total initial momentum as the sum of mass × signed velocity.
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