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AP Physics C: Mechanics 4.3 A Describe the Behavior of a System Using Conservation of Linear Momentum Questions

Describe isolated-system behavior with vector momentum conservation across collisions, explosions, recoil, one- and two-dimensional interactions, and experiments.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • identify when external impulse is negligible so a selected system's total momentum is conserved
  • apply signed one-dimensional momentum conservation to find an unknown post-interaction velocity
  • analyse a perfectly inelastic collision in which objects share a final velocity
  • apply momentum conservation to explosions, spring releases, recoil, or separation events
  • conserve momentum components independently in a two-dimensional collision or explosion

AP Physics C: Mechanics 4.3 A Describe the Behavior of a System Using Conservation of Linear Momentum Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Two blocks, 1 and 2, slide toward each other on a horizontal surface. Block 1 has mass m and slides in the +x-direction with constant speed 2v02 v_{0}. Block 2 has mass 6 m and slides in the -x-direction with constant speed v0v_{0}, as shown in Figure 1. The blocks then collide and stick together. The collision occurs from time t=0 to t=tct=t_{c}. After the collision, where t>tct>t_{c}, the blocks move together with the same constant speed.

Figure 1

Figure 1

Consider a new scenario where Block 1 initially slides in the +x-direction with a new constant speed v1v_{1} and Block 2 again initially slides in the -x-direction with constant speed v0v_{0}.

The blocks collide and stick together. In this new scenario, the two-block system has constant speed v0v_{0} after the collision.

Derive an expression for v1v_{1} in terms of v0v_{0}. Begin your derivation by writing a fundamental physics principle or an equation from the reference information.

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