A boxcar at a rail yard is set into motion at the top ofa hump. The car rolls down
Chapter 9, Problem 2(choose chapter or problem)
A boxcar at a rail yard is set into motion at the top ofa hump. The car rolls down quietly and without frictiononto a straight, level track where it couples witha flatcar of smaller mass, originally at rest, so that thetwo cars then roll together without friction. Considerthe two cars as a system from the moment of release ofthe boxcar until both are rolling together. Answer thefollowing questions yes or no. (a) Is mechanical energyof the system conserved? (b) Is momentum of the systemconserved? Next, consider only the process of theboxcar gaining speed as it rolls down the hump. Forthe boxcar and the Earth as a system, (c) is mechanicalenergy conserved? (d) Is momentum conserved?Finally, consider the two cars as a system as the boxcaris slowing down in the coupling process. (e) Is mechanicalenergy of this system conserved? (f) Is momentumof this system conserved?
Unfortunately, we don't have that question answered yet. But you can get it answered in just 5 hours by Logging in or Becoming a subscriber.
Becoming a subscriber
Or look for another answer