Question

Two particles approach each other with different velocities. After collision, one of the particles has a momentum $\overline{p}$ in their center of massframe. In the same frame, the momentum of the other particle is:

• A. $0$
• B. $-\overline{p}$
• C. $-\overline{p}/2$
• D. $-2\overline{p}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$-\overline{p}$

In a collision between two bodies,if we consider the two bodies as the system, all forces become internal and there is no change in momentum.
i.e.
If one body has a momentum of $\overrightarrow{p}$,the other one has to have a momentum of $-\overrightarrow{p}$