All questions
AP Physics C: Mechanics
4.3 Conservation of Linear Momentum
IntermediateMCQMathematicalConceptual22k
A horizontal dashed line represents the water surface. Floating at the surface is a symmetric boat hull drawn as a wide flat-bottomed polygon with slightly angled ends, labeled with mass \(M\) in its center. The total horizontal length between the left and right ends of the boat is indicated by a horizontal double-headed dimension arrow below the hull labeled \(L\). At the far left flat deck of the boat stands a vertical simplified figure representing a person, labeled with mass \(m\) directly above its head. A single horizontal arrow above the person points to the right toward the opposite end of the boat. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.
A person of mass \(m\) stands at the left end of a boat of mass \(M\) on calm water.
A person of mass \(m\) stands at the left end of a uniform boat of mass \(M\), where \(M > m\). The boat has length \(L\) and floats at rest on calm water where horizontal drag forces are negligible. The person walks to the right end of the boat and stops. Which of the following correctly describes the net displacement of the center of mass of the person-boat system relative to the water, and compares the magnitude of the boat's displacement \(|\Delta x_{\text{boat}}|\) to that of the person \(|\Delta x_{\text{person}}|\) relative to the water?

Log In to Continue

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

Similar Questions

Tools for a 5

The Quiz Lab library of AP Physics quizzes AP aligned mock tests to help you get a 5. With grading, adaptive explanations, and more. Find a Quiz Find, solve, and grade every AP FRQ ever. Find an FRQ Stuck on AP Physics C: Mechanics? Get unstuck with an AP specialist.1 to 1 tutors who know the exam inside out. Understand weeks of material in a single session.Find a Tutor Learn AP Physics from scratch, quickly. This is the only course you'll need for the year. A self-paced course with everything you need to get a 5. Trusted by over 15,000 students and 200+ schools. Learn fast, or we'll refund your purchase, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Explore the Course