Question

Two cars are moving in the same direction. One car with momentum p1 collides with another, which has momentum p2. Their momenta become p'1 and p'2 respectively. Considering frictional losses, compare (p'1 + p'2) with (p1 + p2).

a) (p'1 + p'2) is greater than (p1 + p2)
b) (p'1 + p'2) is equal to (p1 + p2)
c) (p'1 + p'2) is less than (p1 + p2)
d) Cannot be determined from the information

Answer 1

Considering frictional losses, the total momentum of two cars after a collision is less than the total momentum before the collision because energy is converted into non-mechanical forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering frictional losses, the total momentum of two cars after a collision is generally less than the total momentum before the collision.

This is due to the fact that some of the kinetic energy of the cars is converted into heat, sound, and deformation of the cars during the collision. Therefore, if we compare the total momentum after the collision (p'1 + p'2) with the total momentum before the collision (p1 + p2), we find that (p'1 + p'2) is less than (p1 + p2), answer choice c.