Let’s use this velocity of 1.18m/s to compare the total momentum and kinetic energy of the cart-disk system before and after the collision. First, let’s start with the momentum.
(A) Calculate the percent change in momentum of the cart-disk system resulting from the collision. Recall the mass of the disk is 11.4kg and the mass of the cart is 23.5kg. Express your answer as a positive or negative percentage to three significant figures, to indicate either an increase or decrease in momentum.
(B) Now that we’ve seen that the change in the momentum of the cart-disk system is a decrease of just a few percent, let’s compare the kinetic energy before and after the collision as well.
Calculate the percent change in kinetic energy of the cart-disk system resulting from the collision. Express your answer as a positive or negative percentage to three significant figures, to indicate either an increase or decrease in kinetic energy.