16
QuizMultiple Choice

Forces, Newton's Laws, and Momentum — Test

Question 16 • Physics

Two grocery carts have the same initial total momentum. The two carts collide, and now cart B has a greater final velocity. Which best describes the final total momentum of both the carts compared to the initial total momentum?

Answer
A
It is less if cart B has a smaller mass.
B
It is the same if no external forces are added.
C
It is greater if cart B has a greater mass.
D
It depends on the masses of cart A and cart B.

Explanation

The total momentum of both carts is conserved during the collision if no external forces act on the system. Cart B’s greater final velocity may change how momentum is divided between the carts, but it does not change their combined momentum. Therefore, the final total momentum is the same as the initial total momentum: choice B.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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