You have measured a cart's mass and observed that it changed position. What other information do you need to determine the cart's momentum during that time? A. The cart's electric charge. B. The net force on the cart. C. The displacement of the cart. D. The cart's gravitational potential energy.

Question

Chelsea · Answer

The correct answer is B. The net force on the cart.

Understanding Momentum Calculation

To determine the momentum of an object, such as a cart in this case, it is essential to consider the factors that contribute to its change in motion. In physics, momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. Mathematically, momentum (p) can be expressed as:

p = mv

Where:

p = momentum

m = mass of the object

v = velocity of the object

When a cart changes its position, it implies that there is a change in its velocity over time. In order to determine the cart's momentum during that time, knowing the net force acting on the cart is crucial. This is because the net force will cause a change in the cart's velocity according to Newton's second law of motion, which states:

F = ma

Where:

F = net force

m = mass of the cart

a = acceleration of the cart

By knowing the net force, which is the cause of the change in velocity of the cart, we can calculate the impulse experienced by the cart. The impulse is equal to the change in momentum of the cart:

Ft = mÎv

Where:

F = net force

t = time interval

m = mass of the cart

Îv = change in velocity of the cart

Therefore, understanding the net force acting on the cart is essential in determining the cart's momentum during the observed change in position. This information allows us to analyze the impact of external forces on the cart's motion and accurately calculate its momentum at a specific time.

Determining Cart's Momentum

Understanding Momentum Calculation

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