A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, which would need to happen?

Question

A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, which would need to happen??  
A. It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.  
B. It would need to add 500 kg in mass.  
C. Both A and B  
D. Either A or B

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (A)It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.. 
Rationale: For a 1,500-kg car to possess the same momentum as a 2,000-kg car moving at 15 m/s, it must increase its speed to 20 m/s.Momentum, the product of mass and velocity, requires the lighter car to compensate for its reduced mass with higher speed to achieve equivalence.A) It would need to accelerate to 20 m/sThis satisfies the momentum equation: 2,000 kg × 15 m/s = 30,000 kg·m/s, and 1,500 kg × 20 m/s = 30,000 kg·m/s. Adjusting velocity alone achieves identical momentum without altering the system’s mass.B) It would need to add 500 kg in massWhile adding mass would also equalize momentum, the scenario describes the same 1,500-kg car, implying modification of motion rather than composition. Mass addition is unnecessary when speed adjustment suffices.C) Both A and BThis is redundant. Either change independently achieves the goal; requiring both contradicts the principle of equivalent solutions in physics.D) Either A or BAlthough both are mathematically valid, the context of the question, comparing two cars in motion, favors velocity as the variable parameter. Mass is typically fixed for a given vehicle, making speed the appropriate adjustment.ConclusionMomentum equality is achieved by increasing the lighter car’s speed to 20 m/s. The correct answer is A) It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.

A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, which would need to happen?

A
It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.

B
It would need to add 500 kg in mass.

C
Both A and B

D
Either A or B

For a 1,500-kg car to possess the same momentum as a 2,000-kg car moving at 15 m/s, it must increase its speed to 20 m/s.

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Related Questions

A 2,000-kg car travels at 15 m/s. For a 1,500-kg car traveling at 15 m/s to generate the same momentum, which would need to happen?

A It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s. B It would need to add 500 kg in mass. C Both A and B D Either A or B

For a 1,500-kg car to possess the same momentum as a 2,000-kg car moving at 15 m/s, it must increase its speed to 20 m/s.

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
It would need to accelerate to 20 m/s.

B
It would need to add 500 kg in mass.

C
Both A and B

D
Either A or B