consider a system to be one train car moving ...
consider a system to be one train car moving toward another train car at rest. when the train cars collide, the two cars stick together. what is the total momentum of the system after the collision? 800 kg·m/s 1,600 kg·m/s 2,400 kg·m/s 4,000 kg·m/s m1 = 600 kg v1 = 4 m/s m2 = 400 kg v2 = 0 m/s before collision after collision
Answer
# Answer:
C. 2,400 kg·m/s
# Explanation:
## Step1: Recall momentum - conservation principle
In an isolated system, total momentum before = total momentum after.
## Step2: Calculate initial momentum of system
The initial momentum of the system $p_{i}=m_1v_1 + m_2v_2$. Given $m_1 = 600$ kg, $v_1=4$ m/s, $m_2 = 400$ kg, $v_2 = 0$ m/s. So $p_{i}=600\times4+400\times0=2400$ kg·m/s.
## Step3: Determine final momentum
Since total momentum is conserved, $p_{f}=p_{i}=2400$ kg·m/s.