Question

Which statement best describes the two-cart system after an inelastic collision happens?

a) The two carts separate and move in opposite directions.
b) The two carts stick together and move with a common velocity.
c) One cart comes to a stop, and the other continues with its initial velocity.
d) The two carts experience no change in velocity.

Answer 1

Option b ('The two carts stick together and move with a common velocity') best describes a two-cart system after an inelastic collision. The center of mass of the system has the same velocity before and after the collision, assuming no external forces like friction are involved.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to a concept in physics known as an inelastic collision. When an inelastic collision occurs between two objects, such as carts, they stick together and move with a common velocity after the collision. To answer the student's question, option b best describes the two-cart system after such a collision: "The two carts stick together and move with a common velocity."

Regarding the velocity of the center of mass of the system before and after the collision, it remains the same. This is because the center of mass of a closed system (assuming no external forces) moves at a constant velocity, irrespective of interactions between objects within the system. If friction were introduced, it would represent an external force, affecting the velocity of the center of mass; the center of mass would decelerate due to the frictional force.