Answer:
the phenomenon of the system supports the principle of conservation of momentum.
Explanation:
The law of conservation of momentum says that:
Initial Momentum = Final Momentum
So, first we calculate initial momentum of the system:
Initial Momentum = m₁u₁ + m₂u₂
where,
m₁ = mass of car = 600 kg
m₂ = mass of van = 400 kg
u₁ = Initial Speed of Car
For initial speed of car, we use:
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 --------------- equation (1)
Now, for the final momentum:
Final Momentum = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
where,
v₁ = v₂ = Final Speed of Car and van (both are locked) = 7.2 m/s
Therefore,
Final Momentum = (600 kg)(7.2 m/s) + (400 kg)(7.2 m/s)
Final Momentum = 7200 Ns ------------- equation (2)
Comparing equation (1) and (2):
Initial momentum = Final Momentum
Hence, the phenomenon of the system supports the principle of conservation of momentum.
