Question

Cart A has a mass of 2 kg and a speed of 3 m/s. Cart B has a mass of 3 kg and a speed of 2 m/s. Comparing the magnitude of momentum of Cart A to Cart B: Cart B has:

a. the same amount of momentum.
b. a smaller magnitude of momentum.
c. a greater amount of momentum.
d. No correct option.

Answer 1

Both Cart A and Cart B have the same amount of momentum, calculated as the product of their mass and velocity, which in both cases results in 6 kg·m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the magnitude of momentum of Cart A with a mass of 2 kg and a speed of 3 m/s, to Cart B with a mass of 3 kg and a speed of 2 m/s, we must calculate their respective momenta. The formula for momentum (p) is the product of mass (m) and velocity (v), or p = m × v. For Cart A, the momentum is p = 2 kg × 3 m/s = 6 kg·m/s, while for Cart B, it is p = 3 kg × 2 m/s = 6 kg·m/s. Thus, both carts have the same amount of momentum, making option a. the correct answer.