Question

two soccer players run toward each other. one player has a mass of 85 kg and runs west with a speed of 8 m/s, while the other has a mass of 105 kg and runs east with a speed of 7 m/s. what is the total momentum of the system made up of the two players?

Answer 1

+55 kg m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Momentum is the product mass and velocity.

P = m × v

Let the east be in positive direction and west be in negative.

mass of player 1, m = 85 kg

velocity of player 1, v = -8 m/s

mass of player 2, m' = 105 kg

velocity of player 2, v' = +7 m/s

In the absence of any external unbalanced force acting on the system, the total momentum remains conserved. So, the total momentum of this system made having two players is:

P = m v + m' v'

⇒P = (85)(-8) + (105)(7)

⇒P = -680 + 735 = +55 kg m/s