Conservation of Momentum Problems?

Question

1.) When a spring is released, the rod pushes against one cart with a given force. This cart pushes back with an equal force. Explain why this means that the total force on the system of the two carts is zero.


2.) If two carts have the same mass, how would you expect their velocities to compare with each other ? Why?

Answer 1

1. You have said yourself one cart pushes the other cart and the other car pushes back.

F1 + F2= 0 or F1= - F2

2. m1V1=m2V2 law of conservation of momentum.

If m1=m2 then V1=V2