Question

a nitrogen molecule with a mass of 4.7 × 10^-26 kg, moving at 550 m/s, strikes the wall of a container and bounces back at the same speed (-550 m/s).

1. what is the change in velocity of the nitrogen molecule? (change in = final - initial)
2. what is the change in momentum of the molecule? (answer in scientific notation in the form of 1×10^5)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the formula for change in velocity

The formula for change in velocity \(\Delta v=v_f - v_i\), where \(v_f\) is the final velocity and \(v_i\) is the initial velocity.

Step2: Substitute the given values

Given \(v_f=- 550\space m/s\) and \(v_i = 550\space m/s\).
\(\Delta v=-550 - 550\)
\(\Delta v=-1100\space m/s\)

Step3: Determine the formula for change in momentum

The formula for change in momentum \(\Delta p = m\Delta v\), where \(m\) is the mass and \(\Delta v\) is the change in velocity.

Step4: Substitute the values of \(m\) and \(\Delta v\)

Given \(m = 4.7\times10^{-26}\space kg\) and \(\Delta v=-1100\space m/s\)
\(\Delta p=(4.7\times 10^{-26})\times(-1100)\)
\(\Delta p=-5.17\times10^{-23}\space kg\cdot m/s\)

Answer:

1. The change in velocity of the nitrogen molecule is \(-1100\space m/s\)
2. The change in momentum of the molecule is \(-5.17\times 10^{-23}\space kg\cdot m/s\)