If a projectile hits a stationary target, and the projectile continues to travel in the same direction,
A)the mass of the projectile is less than the mass of the target.
B)the mass of the projectile is equal to the mass of the target.
C)the mass of the projectile is greater than the mass of the target.
D)nothing can be said about the masses of the projectile and target without further information.
E)this is an unphysical situation and will not actually happen.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the projectile continues in the same direction after hitting the target, it implies that the projectile has more momentum, which typically means it has greater mass than the target, assuming similar velocities.

If a Projectile Hits a Stationary Target, and the Projectile