Question

Two blocks are sliding along a frictionless track. Block A (mass 3.73 kg) is moving to the right at 1.50 m/s. Block B (mass 4.48 kg) is moving to the left at 1.80 m/s. Assume the system to be both Block A and Block B.
a) what is the total momentum of the system before the collision?
b) What is the total momentum of the system after the collision?
c) The two blocks stick together and move off together. What is the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the blocks after the collision?

Answer 1

a) I'm gonna say left is negative:
p = m1v1-m2v2
b) it's the same
c) initial momentum = (m1+m2)vf
solve for vf

Answer 2

28.3 kg*m/s