Question

Four identical lab carts each have a mass of 200 kg. Different masses are added to the carts and the velocities are measured. All carts move to the right.

An illustration with four carts labeled Cart A, Cart B, Cart C, and Cart D. Cart B has a 20 kilogram mass in it, Cart C has a 40 kilogram mass in it, and Cart D has a 60 kilogram mass in it. There are labels under each cart. Under Cart A is v = 4.8 meters per second, under cart B is v = 4.0meters per second, under cart C is v = 3.8 meters per second, and under cart D is v = 3.5 meters per second.
Which cart has the greatest momentum?

cart A
cart B
cart C
cart D

Answer 1

Momentum p = m v. Compute each:

- A: 200 kg × 4.8 m/s = 960 kg·m/s
- B: 220 kg × 4.0 m/s = 880 kg·m/s
- C: 240 kg × 3.8 m/s = 912 kg·m/s
- D: 260 kg × 3.5 m/s = 910 kg·m/s

Greatest momentum: cart A.