# Two vehicles are approaching an intersection. One is a 2400kg pickup traveling at 14.0m/s from...

## Question:

Two vehicles are approaching an intersection. One is a 2400kg pickup traveling at 14.0m/s from east to west (the -x-direction), and the other is a 1200kg sedan going from south to north (the +y-direction at 25.0m/s). find x-component of the net momentum of this system. Find the y-component of the net momentum of this system and direction?

## Linear Momentum

Linear momentum is a physical quantity commonly used in collision problems. This quantity is often used in e.g. classical mechanics, since it is conserved in closed systems (i.e. systems without an external force acting). If {eq}m {/eq} and {eq}\vec v {/eq} are mass and velocity of an object, the momentum is given by $$\vec p = m \, \vec v~.$$

## Answer and Explanation: 1

When written in component notation, the momentum vector looks like $${p_x \choose p_y} = \rm {2400~kg \cdot ( - \ 14.0~m/s) \choose 0} + {0 \choose 1200~kg \cdot 25.0~m/s} = {- \ 33600~N s \choose 30000~N s}$$

The x-component amounts to {eq}p_x = - \ 33600~\rm N s {/eq}.

The y-component amounts to {eq}p_y = 30000~\rm N s {/eq}. The direction of the y-component is the positive y-direction.

#### Learn more about this topic:

Linear Momentum, Impulse & Energy Conservation

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Chapter 49 / Lesson 1
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In this lesson, you'll learn about linear momentum, impulse, and energy conservation. These are all important components of collisions, which can be large, small, and everything in between!