AP Physics C: Mechanics 2.3 A Describe the Interaction of Two Objects or Systems Using Newtons Third Law and a Representation of Paired Questions

Describe paired interactions by identifying the two objects, equal force magnitudes, opposite directions, and the distinction between third-law pairs and balanced forces.

Exam points

identify the two forces in an interaction pair and the separate object on which each force acts
apply equal magnitude and opposite direction to contact, friction, tension, or collision forces
distinguish a third-law pair on different objects from balanced forces acting on one object
use equal interaction impulses during a collision even when masses and velocity changes differ

[Maximum number: 2]

Cart 1 of mass $m_{1}$ is held at rest above the bottom of an incline. Cart 2 has mass $m_{2}$ , where $m_{2}>m_{1}$ , and is at rest at the bottom of the incline. At time t=0, Cart 1 is released and then travels down the incline and smoothly transitions to the horizontal section. The center of mass of Cart 1 moves a vertical distance of H, as shown. At time $t_{\mathrm{C}}$ , Cart 1 reaches the bottom of the incline and immediately collides with and sticks to Cart 2. After the collision, the two-cart system moves with constant speed v. Frictional and rotational effects are negligible.

During the collision, is the impulse on Cart 1 from Cart 2 greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of the impulse on Cart 2 from Cart 1 ?

Greater than Less than Equal to

Justify your answer.

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AP Physics C: Mechanics 2.3 A Describe the Interaction of Two Objects or Systems Using Newtons Third Law and a Representation of Paired Questions question 1