Answer:
The given phenomenon supports the Principle of Conservation of momentum.
Explanation:
law of conservation of momentum
Initial Momentum = Final Momentum
So, first we calculate initial momentum of the system:
Initial Momentum = m1*u1 + m2*u2
and we are given
m1 = mass of car = 600 kg
m2 = mass of van = 400 kg
u1 = Initial Speed of Car
to find the initial speed we use equation of motion
Vf = Vi + at
Vf = 0 m/s + (0.2 m/s²)(60 s)
Vf = u₁ = 12 m/s
u₂ = Initial Speed of Van = 0 m/s
Therefore,
Initial Momentum = (600 kg)(12 m/s) + (400 kg)(0 m/s)
Initial Momentum = 7200 Ns .........(1)
final momentum = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
where,
v₁ = v₂ = final speed of car+van (both locked ) = 7.2 m/s
Therefore,
Final Momentum = (600 kg)(7.2 m/s) + (400 kg)(7.2 m/s)
Final Momentum = 7200 Ns -------- (2)
on comparing (1) and (2)
Initial momentum = Final Momentum
Hence, the phenomenon of the system supports the principle of conservation of momentum.