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The momentum of the carts is the product of mass times velocity (see Formula Frenzy section). The mass is listed as m or 2m or ... ; think of it as 1 kg, 2 kg or ... if it makes it easier for you. The velocity can be determined by measuring the length of the vector arrow; use the on screen ruler to do this. The product of the mass and velocity tells you the momentum of that cart.
By adding together cart A's and B's momentum before the collision, the total amount of system momentum can be determined. Since the collision is said to be conserved in an isolated system, the total amount of momentum after the collision should be the same as before. (See Know the Law - The Law of Momentum Conservation section.) Object A's velocity can be measured for the after collision diagram and its momentum can be determined. The after-collision momentum of cart B must make up the difference between cart A's after-collision momentum and the total amount of momentum. Determine the momentum value of cart B; then divide by the mass to determine the velocity of cart B. Then pick the appropriate choice from among the available possibilities.
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