Two gliders are on a frictionless, level air track. Initially, glider A moves to
ID: 1522480 • Letter: T
Question
Two gliders are on a frictionless, level air track. Initially, glider A moves to the right and glider B is at rest. After the collision, glider A has reversed direction and moves to the left. System C consists of both gliders A and B. The mass of glider B is much greater than the mass of glider A, such that after the collision glider B has barely any velocity.
1. Is the magnitude of the change in velocity vector for glider A greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the change in velocity vector for glider B? Explain.
2. Is the magnitude of the change in momentum vector for glider A greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the change in momentum vector for glider B? Explain.
3. What is the change in momentum for the system consisting of glider A and glider B? Explain.
4. Now consider the case where glider B is glued in place and cannot move at all. Would your answer to the previous question change? Explain why or why not?
Explanation / Answer
1. The magnitude of the change in velocity for A would be greater than that of B because its mass is much less than that of B and mass and velocity are both directly proportional to momentum.
The magnitude of the change in velocity for A is going to be greater than that of glider B due to the fact that B has the larger mass and momentum. Since the system's momentum is conserved, the large mass of B must make up for the higher velocity of A.
the change in velocity for block A would be essentially the same but in the opposite direction. the change is B would be small due to its larger mass. so the change is velocity for A would be greater than that of block B.
The change in velocity For glider A wouldn't change that much since Glider B is at Rest and is x4 larger then it. Momentum is conserved in this so we know that A has a higher velocity
2.
If friction is ignored then shouldn't the change in momentum be equal because the greater mass of block B would have less of an effect.
Since there is not friction, if there are no external forces, then momentum is conserved and the change in momentum for both should be equal.
3.
The magnitude of the change in momentum for the system is going to be conserved because the track is frictionless. Thus the change in momentum for glider A should be equal to glider B. Although glider A has the smaller mass, its velocity makes up for the mass of B.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.