Question

A clay ball (mass = 0.25kg) has a rightward momentum of +1.75 kg∙m/s. A second clay ball (mass = 0.25 kg) has a leftward momentum of -1.75 kg∙m/s. The two collide, stick together, and come to a complete stop after the collision.1- What was the total momentum before the collision?2- What was the total momentum after the collision?

Answer 1

1. 0 kg∙m/s

2. 0 kg∙m/s

Explanation:

Given:

Mass 1 (m1) = 0.25 kg

Momentum 1 (p1) = +1.75 kg∙m/s

Mass 2 (m2) = 0.25 kg

Momentum 2 (p2) = -1.75 kg∙m/s

The total momentum is given by the following formula:

`\begin{gathered} p=p_1+p_2 \\ \\ \text{ we replacing:} \\ \\ p=1.75+(-1.75) \\ \\ p=0\text{ kg\bullet m/s} \\ \\ \text{ Due to momentum conversion, the total momentum after the collision is also equal to 0 kg\bullet m/s } \end{gathered}`