Multiple Choice
In a series circuit, how many distinct paths can electric current take to flow through all the components?
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11. Momentum & Impulse
How to Identify the Type of Collision
Multiple Choice
Two toy carts collide head-on on a frictionless surface. Cart A has a mass of 0.50 kg and an initial velocity of 2m/s. Cart B has a mass of 0.30kg and initial velocity –2m/s. After the collision, the final velocities of A and B are –1m/s and 3m/s, respectively. What type of collision was this?
A
Collision Not Possible
B
Completely Inelastic
C
Elastic
D
Inelastic
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the types of collisions. In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. In an inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved, not kinetic energy. In a completely inelastic collision, the objects stick together after the collision.
Step 2: Calculate the initial momentum of the system. Use the formula for momentum, \( p = mv \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. Calculate the momentum for each cart and sum them: \( p_{initial} = m_A \cdot v_{A,initial} + m_B \cdot v_{B,initial} \).
Step 3: Calculate the final momentum of the system using the same formula for momentum. Sum the final momenta of both carts: \( p_{final} = m_A \cdot v_{A,final} + m_B \cdot v_{B,final} \).
Step 4: Compare the initial and final momentum. If they are equal, momentum is conserved, which is a requirement for both elastic and inelastic collisions.
Step 5: Calculate the initial and final kinetic energy of the system. Use the formula for kinetic energy, \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \). Compare the total initial kinetic energy with the total final kinetic energy. If they are equal, the collision is elastic. If not, it is inelastic.
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