In a physics experiment, two equal-mass carts roll towards each other on a level, low-friction track. One cart rolls rightward at 2 m/s and the other cart rolls leftward at 1 m/s. After the carts collide, they couple (attach together) and roll together with a speed of . Ignore resistive forces. a. 0.5 m/s
b. 0.33 m/s
c. 0.67 m/s
d. 1.0 m/s
e. none of these

The correct answer is option a.

Explanation:

Conservation of momentum :

Where :

= masses of object collided

= initial velocity before collision

= final velocity after collision

We have :

Two equal-mass carts roll towards each other.

Initial velocity of

Initial velocity of (opposite direction)

Final velocity of (same direction )

Final velocity of  (same direction)

v = 0.5 m/s

rg135

The speed of the carts after their collision is 0.5 m/s.

ice to water 1 water to vapour 2 latent heat

probably not if net force is zero