Question

Suppose object A (2 kg) is at rest and object B (10 kg) runs into it with high speed. What is the likely result?

A.
Object A will remain at rest.

B.
Object B will come to a stop.

C.
Object B's final momentum will be larger than its initial momentum.

D.
Object A will move in the direction of object B's velocity; object B will continue in that direction with a final speed less than its initial speed.

Answer 1

Answer:

D.

Object A will move in the direction of object B's velocity; object B will continue in that direction with a final speed less than its initial speed.

Explanation:

Conservation of Momentum. For every action will have an equal and opposite reaction. Object B will hit Object A transferring it's momentum to Object A and Object A will transfer it's momentum to Object B but since Object B is 5 times larger than Object A, Object A will only push back on Object B with a fraction of the force that Object B is pushing on Object A. Like a Bowling Ball when it hits bowling pins. The bowling ball continues to move in its direction but at a slower speed because it transferred speed to the bowling pins.