Question

11. Two bodies of mass 1 kg and 2 kg respectively
moving in the directions opposite to each other
with a speed 5 m/s collide. Calculate the total
momentum of the system before collision.
(Ans. - 4 kg m/s)​

Answer 1

Answer:

The total  momentum of the system before the collision is -5 Kgm/s.

Explanation:

The momentum of a body can be calculated using the equation,

P = mv

Where 'p' is the momentum of the body, 'm' is its mass, and 'v' is the velocity with which it is moving.

Mass of the body 1 = 1 Kg

Mass of the body 2 = 2 Kg

The velocity of the bodies are the same, velocity = 5 m/s

Momentum of body 1 = 1 × 5 = 5 Kgm/s

Momentum of body 2 = 2 × -5 = -10 Kgm/s

Since the bodies are moving in the opposite directions one of the bodies should have a negative direction for velocity.

Total momentum of the system before collision = 5 + -10

                                                                                = -5 Kgm/s