Question

in a closed system, an object with a mass of 10 kg moves at a velocity of 5.4 m/s. it collides with a second object that has a mass of 12 kg and that is moving in the opposite direction with a velocity of 3.5 m/s. what is the total momentum of the system after the collision?

Answer 1

12 kg·m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

This is a conservation of momentum problem. Total momentum (p=mv) before the collision must equal total momentum after the collision.

1st object moves in positive direction, 2nd moves in negative direction.

p(before) = (10 kg)(5.4 m/s) - (12 kg)(3.5 m/s) = p (after)

p(after) = 54 kg·m/s - 42 kg·m/s = 12 kg·m/s