Final answer:
To determine the total final momentum of the system when a 2 kg cart moving at 6 m/s collides with another 2 kg cart at rest, we calculate the initial momentum, which is 2 kg times 6 m/s, equaling 12 kg m/s. This value remains the same after the collision due to momentum conservation, making the final total momentum also 12 kg m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the concept of momentum conservation in a collision between two carts in Physics. In an isolated system, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, provided no external forces are involved. To find the total final momentum of the system when a 2 kg cart moving at 6 m/s collides with a 2 kg cart at rest, we use the formula:
Initial momentum = mass × velocity
For the moving cart: Initial momentum = 2 kg × 6 m/s = 12 kg m/s
For the cart at rest: Initial momentum = 2 kg × 0 m/s = 0 kg m/s
The total initial momentum is the sum of these, which is simply 12 kg m/s. Since the system is isolated, the total final momentum of the system must also be 12 kg m/s. Therefore, the correct answer is B) 12 kg m/s.