Question

which one has more momentum? a truck of mass 3000kg moving at 10m/s or a car of mass 1000kg moving at 30m/s
options:

• the truck
• both have same momentum
• the car
• more information needed to calculate the momentum

Explanation:

Step1: Recall momentum formula

Momentum \( p = mv \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity.

Step2: Calculate truck's momentum

For truck: \( m = 3000\,\text{kg} \), \( v = 10\,\text{m/s} \).
\( p_{\text{truck}} = 3000 \times 10 = 30000\,\text{kg·m/s} \).

Step3: Calculate car's momentum

For car: \( m = 1000\,\text{kg} \), \( v = 30\,\text{m/s} \).
\( p_{\text{car}} = 1000 \times 30 = 30000\,\text{kg·m/s} \).

Step4: Compare momenta

Both \( p_{\text{truck}} \) and \( p_{\text{car}} \) equal \( 30000\,\text{kg·m/s} \).

Answer:

Both have same momentum