Question detail
In a closed system, two objects collide. Object A has a mass of 3 kg and is moving at a velocity of 4 m/s towards Object B, which has a mass of 2 kg and is stationary. What is the total momentum of the system before the collision?
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At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Momentum
Question
In a closed system, two objects collide. Object A has a mass of 3 kg and is moving at a velocity of 4 m/s towards Object B, which has a mass of 2 kg and is stationary. What is the total momentum of the system before the collision?
Answer
The total momentum before the collision is 12 kg·m/s. This is calculated using the formula momentum = mass x velocity for Object A, which is 3 kg x 4 m/s = 12 kg·m/s. Object B has no momentum as it is stationary.
Explanation
This question tests the understanding of momentum as a vector quantity and the principle of conservation of momentum in a closed system. It requires the application of the momentum formula to calculate the total momentum before the collision.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Momentum Conservation
Students often think that momentum is conserved only when two objects collide, ignoring scenarios where one object explodes or separates.
Emphasize that momentum is conserved in all closed systems, including both collisions and explosions, and practice applying this principle in various scenarios.
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