There are two set pieces in a theater sitting on platforms with wheels. One is a tree with a mass of 50 kg. It is moving at 3 m/s. The other is a fence with a mass of 30 kg. If the two set pieces have equal momentum, how fast is the fence moving

To solve this problem, we can use the principle of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before and after the collision of the two set pieces must be the same.

The momentum (p) of an object can be calculated by multiplying its mass (m) and velocity (v): p = m * v.

Given that the momentum of the tree is equal to the momentum of the fence, we can set up an equation:

momentum of tree = momentum of fence

(mass of tree * velocity of tree) = (mass of fence * velocity of fence)

Substituting the given values, we have:

(50 kg * 3 m/s) = (30 kg * velocity of fence)

Now we can solve for the velocity of the fence:

150 kg m/s = 30 kg * velocity of fence

Dividing both sides of the equation by 30 kg, we get:

5 m/s = velocity of fence

Therefore, the fence is moving at a speed of 5 m/s to have an equal momentum with the tree.