Momentum Multiple choice question

In summary, when a billiard ball with an initial speed of 5 m/s collides with another billiard ball of the same mass at rest, the resulting speeds of 3 and 4 m/s indicate that both momentum and kinetic energy were conserved in the collision. This is demonstrated by the equation (1/2)(m)(5)^2 = (1/2)(m)(3)^2 + (1/2)(m)(2)^2, showing that the initial and final kinetic energies were equal. Despite the initial momentum not being equal to the final momentum, both momentum and kinetic energy were still conserved.
  • #1
bballcool34
4
0
A billiard ball has an initial speed of 5 m/s and it collides with another billiard ball of the same mass initially at rest. If the speeds of the two billiard balls are 3 and 4 m/s, then

a) momentum was conserved but not kinetic energy
b) kinetic energy was conserved but not momentum
c) momentum and kinetic energy were both conserved
d) neither momentum or kinetic energy were conserved

I saw that KE initial=KE final by doing:

(1/2)(m)(5)^2 = (1/2)(m)(3)^2 + (1/2)(m)(2)^2

I thought momentum was not conserved since P initial does not equal P final:
5m not equal to 4m +3m... so I thought the answer was B

The answer is C though...thanks for any help in advance.
 
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  • #2
bballcool34 said:
A billiard ball has an initial speed of 5 m/s and it collides with another billiard ball of the same mass initially at rest. If the speeds of the two billiard balls are 3 and 4 m/s, then

a) momentum was conserved but not kinetic energy
b) kinetic energy was conserved but not momentum
c) momentum and kinetic energy were both conserved
d) neither momentum or kinetic energy were conserved

I saw that KE initial=KE final by doing:

(1/2)(m)(5)^2 = (1/2)(m)(3)^2 + (1/2)(m)(2)^2

hope that helps :]
 

Related to Momentum Multiple choice question

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a physics concept that describes the quantity of motion an object has. It is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity.

2. How is momentum related to velocity?

Momentum and velocity are directly related. An object with greater velocity will have more momentum, while an object with less velocity will have less momentum.

3. Does the direction of an object's motion affect its momentum?

Yes, the direction of an object's motion affects its momentum. Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Therefore, a change in direction will result in a change in momentum.

4. What is the law of conservation of momentum?

The law of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event must be equal to the total momentum after the event. This means that momentum is conserved and cannot be created or destroyed.

5. How is momentum useful in real life?

Momentum is useful in many real-life situations, such as in sports, collisions, and transportation. Understanding momentum can help us predict the outcome of a collision, design safer cars, and improve athletic performance.

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