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Let me know if you need more information. I need help with the arrows.

Let me know if you need more information. I need help with the arrows.-example-1
User Daphnee
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1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The change in momentum is 2 times the length of the momentum vector put in the negative direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in momentum is defined as


\Delta p=p_f-p_i

meaning it is the difference between the final and the inital momentum.

Now, our initial momentum is


p_i=mv_i\vec{i}

it is in the positive i-direction.

The final momentum is


p_f=-mv_i\vec{i}

and it is in the negative i-direction.

Therefore, the change in momentum is


\Delta p=p_f-p_i=p_f=-mv_i\vec{i}-mv_i\vec{i}
\boxed{\Delta p=-2mv_i\vec{i}}

which is our answer!

Now, what is the direction and magnitude of this momentum vector?

This vector has length 2 and points in the negative i-direction.

User Ziri
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