Question

A car has 400 kgm/s worth of
momentum and runs into a truck initially at rest. After the collision,
the truck has 500 kgm/s
worth of momentum.
What must be the final momentum of the car?
A. 100 kgm/s
B. 500 kgm/s
C. -100 kgm/s
D. 400 kgm/s

Answer 1

Hello and Good Morning/Afternoon

Let's take this problem step-by-step:

By the Law of Conservation of momentum

 ⇒ the total momentum always remains constant before and after the

     collision

• Pc: the momentum of the car initially before collision
• Pcf: the momentum of the car after the collision
• Pt: the momentum of the truck

       Pc = Pt + PcF

       400 = 500 + PcF

       PcF = -100 kg * m/s

Therefore the car's final momentum is -100 kg*m/s

Answer: -100 kg*m/s or choice (C)

Hope that helps!

#LearnwithBrainly