Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions

Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 5:

Kara Less was applying her makeup when she drove into South's busy parking lot last Friday morning. Unaware that Lisa Ford was stopped in her lane 30 feet ahead, Kara rear-ended Lisa's rented Taurus. Kara's 1300-kg car was moving at 11 m/s and stopped in 0.14 seconds.

a. Determine the momentum change of Kara's car.
b. Determine the impulse experienced by Kara's car.
c. Determine the magnitude of the force experienced by Kara's car.

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

  • Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
  • Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.50 kg, vi = 2.68 m/s,  F = 4.98 N, t = 0.133 s, vf = ???.
  • Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
  • Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
  • Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Momentum and Collisions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

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