Question

four identical lab carts each have a mass of 200 kg. different masses are added to the carts and the velocities are measured. all carts move to the right. which cart has the greatest momentum? cart a cart b cart c cart d

Explanation:

Step1: Recall momentum formula

The formula for momentum is $p = mv$, where $p$ is momentum, $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.

Step2: Calculate mass of each cart

Cart A: $m_A=200$ kg, Cart B: $m_B = 200 + 20=220$ kg, Cart C: $m_C=200 + 40 = 240$ kg, Cart D: $m_D=200+60 = 260$ kg.

Step3: Calculate momentum of each cart

Cart A: $p_A=m_Av_A=200\times4.8 = 960$ kg·m/s.
Cart B: $p_B=m_Bv_B=220\times4.0=880$ kg·m/s.
Cart C: $p_C=m_Cv_C=240\times3.8 = 912$ kg·m/s.
Cart D: $p_D=m_Dv_D=260\times3.5=910$ kg·m/s.

Answer:

A. cart A