Two objects are approaching an intersection. One is a 50 kg traveling at 8

m/s from east to west and the other is a 40 kg going from south to north at 12 m/s.
(a) Find the x and y components of the net momentum of this system.
(b) What are the magnitude and direction of the net momentum

1 answer

a. X = m1V1 = 50 * -8 = -400.
Y = m2V2 =40 * 12 = 480.

b. tanA = Y/X = 480/-400 = -1.20.
Ar = -50.19 = Reference angle.
A = -50.19 + 180 = 129.8o = Direction.

Magnitude = X/cosA = -400/cos129.8 = 625.