Question

1. two hockey pucks collide, having their centers vertically aligned, with the initial velocities shown in the figure. puck 1 most likely passed nearest which labeled point after the collision?

Explanation:

Step1: Consider conservation of momentum

In a two - dimensional collision, the total momentum before the collision must equal the total momentum after the collision. Puck 1 has an initial velocity at an angle and Puck 2 has a vertical initial velocity.

Step2: Analyze direction of momentum transfer

When they collide, Puck 2 will transfer some of its vertical momentum to Puck 1. This will cause Puck 1 to deviate more in the vertical direction compared to its initial path. Points Q and S are not likely as they do not account for the vertical momentum transfer. Point T is too far in the vertical direction. Point R is the most reasonable as it shows a deviation due to the momentum transfer from Puck 2 while still being consistent with the initial direction of Puck 1's motion.

Answer:

R