**Physics Problem Example - Momentum and Collision** **Problem Statement:** A young man Sam whose mass is 50 kilograms was skating in a straight line when he hits another young man (Tom) that was standing still whose mass is 40 kilograms. If Tom, fearing for his life, held on to Sam while they both slid together at a speed of ten meters per second, what was the speed of Sam before he collided with Tom? **Options:** - A: 18 - B: 30 - C: 45 - D: None of the above. This problem explores the concept of momentum and collision in physics. The key idea involves calculating the initial speed of an object before an inelastic collision where two masses move together. ### Explanation: To solve this, you can apply the law of conservation of momentum. In this scenario, Sam and Tom eventually move together after the collision, which is characteristic of a perfectly inelastic collision. 1. **Initial momentum (before collision):** - The momentum of Sam = mass of Sam × speed of Sam = \(50 \times v\) - The momentum of Tom (initially at rest) = 0 2. **Final momentum (after collision):** - The combined mass is \(50 + 40 = 90 \) kg, and they slide together at \(10 \) meters per second. - Total final momentum = \(90 \times 10\) 3. **Using Conservation of Momentum:** \[ 50 \times v = 90 \times 10 \] 4. **Solving for \(v\):** \[ v = \frac{90 \times 10}{50} = 18 \text{ meters per second} \] Thus, Sam's speed before he collided with Tom was \(18\) meters per second (Option A).
**Physics Problem Example - Momentum and Collision** **Problem Statement:** A young man Sam whose mass is 50 kilograms was skating in a straight line when he hits another young man (Tom) that was standing still whose mass is 40 kilograms. If Tom, fearing for his life, held on to Sam while they both slid together at a speed of ten meters per second, what was the speed of Sam before he collided with Tom? **Options:** - A: 18 - B: 30 - C: 45 - D: None of the above. This problem explores the concept of momentum and collision in physics. The key idea involves calculating the initial speed of an object before an inelastic collision where two masses move together. ### Explanation: To solve this, you can apply the law of conservation of momentum. In this scenario, Sam and Tom eventually move together after the collision, which is characteristic of a perfectly inelastic collision. 1. **Initial momentum (before collision):** - The momentum of Sam = mass of Sam × speed of Sam = \(50 \times v\) - The momentum of Tom (initially at rest) = 0 2. **Final momentum (after collision):** - The combined mass is \(50 + 40 = 90 \) kg, and they slide together at \(10 \) meters per second. - Total final momentum = \(90 \times 10\) 3. **Using Conservation of Momentum:** \[ 50 \times v = 90 \times 10 \] 4. **Solving for \(v\):** \[ v = \frac{90 \times 10}{50} = 18 \text{ meters per second} \] Thus, Sam's speed before he collided with Tom was \(18\) meters per second (Option A).
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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