TEAS Test 7 science Related

Review TEAS Test 7 science related questions and content

When two cars with different masses collide head-on, which car experiences a greater change in momentum?

  • A. The car with the larger mass
  • B. The car with the smaller mass
  • C. Both cars experience the same change in momentum
  • D. It depends on the initial velocities of the cars
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a head-on collision between two cars, the law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of the isolated system remains constant before and after the collision. The change in momentum of one car is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the change in momentum of the other car. As a result, both cars experience the same change in momentum during the collision. Choice A is incorrect because the change in momentum is the same for both cars due to the conservation of momentum principle. Choice B is incorrect as the smaller mass car does not experience a greater change in momentum. Choice D is incorrect as the initial velocities of the cars do not determine which car experiences a greater change in momentum; it is solely dependent on the masses of the colliding cars.