Object A moving due east collides with object B moving due west. After the collision, A is moving 20$\degree$ north of due east. What must be true of B after the collision?
A) B must be moving 20$\degree$ south of due east.
B) B must be moving 20$\degree$ south of due west.
C) At least part of B's velocity must be toward the south.
D) At least part of B's velocity must be toward the west.
E) None of these are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the conservation of momentum and the fact that object A is deflected north of east, for momentum to be conserved in the system, object B must have a component of its velocity directed southward after the collision. This ensures the overall momentum of the system in the north-south direction remains conserved. Choices A and B specify exact directions which cannot be determined without more information, and choice D is incorrect because B was initially moving due west and could continue moving westward but must have a southward component to its velocity post-collision.

Object a Moving Due East Collides with Object B Moving °\degree°

Object a Moving Due East Collides with Object B Moving $\degree$