One of the things you will need to be able to do is figure out the total momentum of a group of objects. You need to calculate the momentum for each object and then combine the momenta. While combining the momenta (which are vectors), you need to be careful with the directions. If momenta are in opposite directions, take this into account. Consider the positive direction to be to the right. If the momentum is to the left, include a minus sign.
Three blocks are sliding along a frictionless track. Block A (mass 4.54 kg) is moving to the right at 2.20 m/s. Block B (mass 2.27 kg) is moving to the left at 1.32 m/s. Block C (mass 4.58 kg) is at rest. What is the combined momentum of all 3 blocks?
Three blocks are sliding along a frictionless track. Block A (mass 4.54 kg) is moving to the right at 2.20 m/s. Block B (mass 2.27 kg) is moving to the left at 4.40 m/s. Block C (mass 4.58 kg) is at rest. What is the combined momentum of all 3 blocks?