Trolley A carrying mass 10kg is moving at speed 5m/s, and collides with stationary Trolley B carrying a mass 5kg. Indicating which Law you would apply, what is the speed and direction of Trolley B if Trolley A's resulting movement is 2m/s to the left?

By the Law of Conservation of Momentum, Initial Momentum=Final Momentum, in a closed system.

Take movement to the right as + and to the left as -

Therefore equate the two as such: Initial (A+B) = final (A+B)

A+B = A+B

(+5x10) + (5x0) = (-2x10) + (5 x Y)

Y indicates speed of B

50+0=-20+5Y

70=5Y

Y=70/5

Y=+14m/s

Therefore Trolley B moves to the right at a speed of 14m/s

Answered by Parinita S. Physics tutor

2812 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

The time taken for a wave to pass a point is 2.5 seconds. What is the frequency of the wave?


How do you calculate the total resistance of two resistors, R1 and R2, when they are in series and when they are in parallel?


Discuss how X-rays and Ultrasound can be used for medical purposes, including their advantages and disadvantages.


Using standard formulae, derive an expression for the final speed of a falling object in terms of its change in height. Assume zero air resistance or other resistive forces.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences