Math Problem Statement

In a collision, Object 1 moving to the right with momentum | p 1 i |

25 kg-m/s collides with Object 2 moving to the left with momentum | p 2 i |

35 kg-m/s.

After the collision Object 1 moves to the left with momentum | p 1 f |

10 kg-m/s.

What is | p 2 f | , the magnitude of the final momentum of Object 2?

(a) 50 kg-m/s

(b) 20 kg-m/s

(c) 0 kg-m/s

Solution

To solve for the final momentum of Object 2 (p2fp_{2f}), we can use the principle of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the collision must equal the total momentum after the collision, assuming there are no external forces.

Step 1: Write the conservation of momentum equation:

p1i+p2i=p1f+p2fp_{1i} + p_{2i} = p_{1f} + p_{2f} Where:

  • p1i=25kg\cdotpm/sp_{1i} = 25 \, \text{kg·m/s} (initial momentum of Object 1)
  • p2i=35kg\cdotpm/sp_{2i} = -35 \, \text{kg·m/s} (initial momentum of Object 2, negative because it’s moving to the left)
  • p1f=10kg\cdotpm/sp_{1f} = -10 \, \text{kg·m/s} (final momentum of Object 1, negative because it's now moving to the left)
  • p2fp_{2f} is what we want to find.

Step 2: Solve for p2fp_{2f}

Using the conservation of momentum equation: 25kg\cdotpm/s35kg\cdotpm/s=10kg\cdotpm/s+p2f25 \, \text{kg·m/s} - 35 \, \text{kg·m/s} = -10 \, \text{kg·m/s} + p_{2f} Simplifying: 10kg\cdotpm/s=10kg\cdotpm/s+p2f-10 \, \text{kg·m/s} = -10 \, \text{kg·m/s} + p_{2f} p2f=0kg\cdotpm/sp_{2f} = 0 \, \text{kg·m/s}

Thus, the magnitude of the final momentum of Object 2 is: 0kg\cdotpm/s\boxed{0 \, \text{kg·m/s}} This corresponds to option (c) 0 kg-m/s.

Would you like further explanation or details?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What conditions must hold true for momentum to be conserved in a collision?
  2. What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions in terms of momentum and energy?
  3. How do we calculate the velocities of objects after a collision from their momentum?
  4. In what situations would the final momentum of both objects be zero?
  5. How can the impulse-momentum theorem be applied in this scenario?

Tip: Remember that momentum is a vector quantity, so direction is important when solving problems involving collisions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Conservation of Momentum
Vector Quantities in Physics

Formulas

p1i + p2i = p1f + p2f (Conservation of Momentum)

Theorems

Law of Conservation of Momentum

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12