Write a multiple-choice question that requires the reader to apply conservation of momentum to a system of two objects.
A bumps B
give masses
give velocity vector of A (x, y components)
give velocity vector of B (x, y components)
Say they stick together (easy)
or
Say collision is elastic (harder)
ask for x component of resulting velocity vector of A
Sure! Here's a multiple-choice question that requires applying conservation of momentum to a system of two objects:
Question:
Two objects, object A and object B, are initially at rest. Object A has a mass of 2 kg and object B has a mass of 3 kg. Object A pushes object B with a force of 10 N for 2 seconds. After the push, object A moves at a velocity of 5 m/s to the right. What is the velocity of object B after the push?
a) 5 m/s to the right
b) 4 m/s to the left
c) 4 m/s to the right
d) 3.33 m/s to the right
To solve this question and determine the correct answer, we need to apply the principle of conservation of momentum. According to this principle, the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it. We can use the formula:
Momentum (p) = mass (m) * velocity (v)
The initial momentum of the system is zero, since both objects are initially at rest. The final momentum of the system should also be zero, as there are no external forces acting on the system.
Using this information, we can set up the equation:
(2 kg * 5 m/s) + (3 kg * v_B) = 0
Simplifying the equation:
10 kg·m/s + 3 kg·m/s * v_B = 0
Solving for v_B:
3 kg·m/s * v_B = -10 kg·m/s
v_B = (-10 kg·m/s) / (3 kg)
After evaluating the expression, we find that v_B is approximately -3.33 m/s.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) 3.33 m/s to the right.