HESI A2 Physics Related

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Which vehicle has the greatest momentum?

  • A. A 9,000-kg railroad car traveling at 3 m/s
  • B. A 2,000-kg automobile traveling at 24 m/s
  • C. A 1,500-kg MINI Coupe traveling at 29 m/s
  • D. A 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The momentum of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. The momentum formula is p = m v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Comparing the momentum of each vehicle: A: 9,000 kg 3 m/s = 27,000 kg·m/s B: 2,000 kg 24 m/s = 48,000 kg·m/s C: 1,500 kg 29 m/s = 43,500 kg·m/s D: 500 kg 89 m/s = 44,500 kg·m/s. Therefore, the glider (500-kg) traveling at 89 m/s has the greatest momentum of 44,500 kg·m/s, making it the correct choice. Options A, B, and C have lower momentum values compared to option D, proving that the 500-kg glider traveling at 89 m/s has the highest momentum among the given vehicles.