Question

A 10 kg football player tackles a stationary 15 kg player at a velocity of 10 m/s. What was the 2nd players resulting velocity?

A 6.66 m/s
B 3.33 m/s
C 100 m/s
D 10 m/s

Answer 1

4.0 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Total momentum before the collision must equal the total momentum after the collision. Momentum = P = mv

Assuming the players stick together and do not bounce off each other after the tackle:

(10 kg)(10 m/s) + (15 kg)(0 m/s) = (10 kg + 15 kg)v

Before = After

100 kg·m/s + 0 = (25 kg)v

v = (100 kg·m/s) / (25 kg) = 4 m/s note: this is the velocity of both players since they are stuck together