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Which scenario could be represented by the momentum bar chart below?

a) Frictionless track with one cart
b) Carts with friction on a track
c) Both carts on a frictionless track
d) Carts with unequal masses on a track

User OWolf
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The scenario of a cart moving and another at rest sticking together after collision on a momentum bar chart represents carts on a frictionless track, demonstrating an inelastic collision where momentum is conserved because there are no external forces like friction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario that could be represented by the momentum bar chart where cart A is moving and cart B is initially at rest, then after the collision the carts stick together, would be carts on a frictionless track. The key points to consider are that the carts stick together after the collision and that the wheels turn with negligible friction. In physics, momentum is conserved in a closed system, so if there is no external force like friction acting on the carts, the total momentum before the collision should be equal to the total momentum after the collision. This scenario indicates an inelastic collision where two objects stick together post-collision, typical of a scenario with carts on a frictionless track, as friction would act as an external force affecting the total momentum.

When considering a case with a frictionless track, the momentum before and after the collision should remain constant. Therefore, option 'c) Both carts on a frictionless track' closely represents the situation as described in the momentum bar chart of the question. If friction were present, it would constitute an external force, leading to a non-conserved momentum system, which is not applicable in this scenario.

Following the laws of conservation of momentum and assuming no external forces, the scenario described is a common experiment set up in physics classrooms to demonstrate conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions.

User Freshbm
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