All questions
AP Physics C: Mechanics
4.4 Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse
AdvancedMCQMathematicalConceptual25.7k
A cart of mass \(m\) travels with speed \(v_0\) along a horizontal, frictionless track toward a stationary cart of mass \(2m\). The collision is tested under two different experimental conditions: in Setup 1, the collision is perfectly elastic, and in Setup 2, the carts latch together in a completely inelastic collision. The initial kinetic energy of the system before each collision is \(K_0\). Which row in the table correctly compares the magnitude of the impulse \(J_{\text{target}}\) delivered to the cart of mass \(2m\), the total final kinetic energy \(K_f\) of the system in Setup 2, and the post-collision center-of-mass speed \(v_{\text{cm}}\) of the system?

RowImpulse on Target CartFinal Kinetic Energy in Setup 2Post-Collision Center-of-Mass Speed
A\(J_1 = J_2\)\(K_f = \dfrac{1}{3} K_0\)\(v_{\text{cm},1} = v_{\text{cm},2}\)
B\(J_1 = 2J_2\)\(K_f = \dfrac{2}{3} K_0\)\(v_{\text{cm},1} = v_{\text{cm},2}\)
C\(J_1 = 2J_2\)\(K_f = \dfrac{1}{3} K_0\)\(v_{\text{cm},1} = v_{\text{cm},2}\)
D\(J_1 = \dfrac{1}{2}J_2\)\(K_f = \dfrac{1}{3} K_0\)\(v_{\text{cm},1} > v_{\text{cm},2}\)

Log In to Continue

Accounts are free! Log in to try this question, see explanations, save progress, and more!

Tools for a 5