Final answer:
The mass of the second suitcase can be determined by using the conservation of momentum. The setup involves the initial and final momentum of the system, which includes the carrier, the first suitcase, and the unknown mass of the second suitcase. Solving the momentum equation yields the mass of the second suitcase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for the mass of the second suitcase in a two-part conservation of momentum problem involving an airline baggage carrier. We can determine the mass of the second suitcase by applying the law of conservation of momentum. According to this law, the total momentum of a closed and isolated system remains constant if it is not acted upon by external forces. We can set up the equation: (mass of carrier + mass of first suitcase) × final velocity = (mass of carrier × initial carrier velocity) + (mass of first suitcase × suitcase velocity) + (mass of second suitcase × suitcase velocity). Given that the initial velocities of the carrier and the second suitcase are 0, and the mass of the carrier (25 kg) and the first suitcase (15 kg) with its velocity (2.4 m/s) are known, we can solve for the mass of the second suitcase. The initial momentum is 0 (since the carrier and the first suitcase are at rest), and after the toss of the first suitcase, the momentum is 15 kg × 2.4 m/s. The final combined mass after both suitcases are tossed is 25 kg (carrier) + 15 kg (first suitcase) + m (mass of second suitcase), and the final velocity is 1.2 m/s. Solving for 'm' gives us the mass of the second suitcase.