Question

at an amusement park bumper car x moves at 2.5 m/s toward bumper car y, which is at rest, as shown below. car x then collides with car y. which of the following statements best describes the change in momentum after the collision. a the momentum of car x increases and the momentum of car y decreases. b the momentum of car x decreases and the momentum of car y increases. c the momentum of car x is unchanged and the momentum of car y increases. d the momentum of car y is unchanged and the momentum of car x decreases.

Explanation:

Momentum is conserved in an isolated - system collision. Car X has an initial non - zero momentum and Car Y has an initial momentum of zero. After the collision, Car X will transfer some of its momentum to Car Y. So, the momentum of Car X decreases and the momentum of Car Y increases.

Answer:

B. The momentum of Car X decreases and the momentum of Car Y increases.