Momentum ap physics 1

The correct option is;

B. Object X travels at -2 m/s and object Y travels at 4 m/s after the spring is no longer compressed

Explanation:

The given parameters are;

The mass of object Y = M

The mass of object X = 2·M

The initial velocity of object X and object Y = 0 m/s

Let A represent the velocity of object X after the spring is released and B represent the velocity of object Y after the spring is released, therefore, by the principle of the conservation of linear momentum, we have;

(M + 2·M) × 0 = M × B + 2·M × A

∴ (M + 2·M) × 0 = 0 = M × B + 2·M × A

M × B = -2·M × A

∴ B = -2·A

Therefore, the velocity of the object Y = -2 × The velocity of the object X

Whereby the velocity of the object X = -2, The velocity of the object Y = -2 × -2 = 4

Which gives, object X travels at -2 m/s and object Y travels at 4 m/s after the spring is no longer compressed.