A running back has a momentum of 115 kg m/s as he dives east toward the end zone. A linebacker coming in the opposite direction (west) has a momentum of 125 kg m/s. When the linebacker collides with the running back, what is the total momentum?
To find the total momentum, we need to add the individual momenta of the running back and the linebacker since momentum is a vector quantity.
The momentum of the running back, as given, is 115 kg m/s east.
The momentum of the linebacker, as given, is 125 kg m/s west.
Since the linebacker is moving in the opposite direction (west), we can consider its momentum as negative.
So, the total momentum is:
Total momentum = momentum of running back + momentum of linebacker
Total momentum = 115 kg m/s (east) + (-125 kg m/s) (west)
Combining the two vectors, the total momentum is:
Total momentum = 115 kg m/s - 125 kg m/s
Total momentum = -10 kg m/s
Therefore, the total momentum when the linebacker collides with the running back is -10 kg m/s.