Question

p_{ball} = +12.6 kg m/s p_{box} = -9.60 kg m/s
what is the total momentum
of the system?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall total momentum formula

The total momentum \( P_{\text{total}} \) of a system with two objects is the sum of their individual momenta, so \( P_{\text{total}} = P_{\text{ball}} + P_{\text{box}} \).

Step2: Substitute given values

We know \( P_{\text{ball}} = +12.6 \, \text{kg m/s} \) and \( P_{\text{box}} = -9.60 \, \text{kg m/s} \). Substituting these into the formula: \( P_{\text{total}} = 12.6 + (-9.60) \).

Step3: Perform the calculation

\( 12.6 - 9.60 = 3.0 \, \text{kg m/s} \).

Answer:

The total momentum of the system is \( 3.0 \, \text{kg m/s} \) (or \( 3.0 \) kilogram - meter per second).