Question

if the blue cart moves at 15 cm/s after the carts move apart, then the red cart would move at

blue cart
mass (kg): 2.00

red cart
mass (kg): 1.00

explode

post-explosion speed (cm/s)
post-explosion speed (cm/s)

options:

• 15 cm/s
• 20 cm/s
• 30 cm/s
• 60 cm/s

Explanation:

Step1: Identify initial momentum

$$p_{\text{initial}} = 0$$

Step2: Apply momentum conservation

$$m_{\text{blue}} \cdot v_{\text{blue}} = m_{\text{red}} \cdot v_{\text{red}}$$

Step3: Substitute known values

$$2.00 \cdot 15 = 1.00 \cdot v_{\text{red}}$$

Step4: Solve for speed

$$v_{\text{red}} = 30\text{ cm/s}$$

Answer:

30 cm/s