A 1,000 kg self-driving car is traveling at 32 m/s toward a 3,500 kg self-driving pickup truck that is, in turn, moving at 11 m/s toward the car. What is the total momentum of the system of car plus truck? (Make sure to specify its direction.)

Question

A 1,000 kg self-driving car is traveling at 32 m/s toward a 3,500 kg self-driving pickup truck that is, in turn, moving at 11 m/s toward the car.  What is the total momentum of the system of car plus truck?  (Make sure to specify its direction.)

Henry · Answer

M1*V1 + M2*V2 = 1,000*(-32) + 3500*11 = -32,000 + 38,500 = 6,500 kg-m/s in the direction of the truck.