Block sliding down wedge with momentum conservation · CAP 2013 #1
Physics · mechanics
Problem
A small block of mass m1 is released from rest at the top of a curve-shaped, frictionless wedge of mass m2 which sits on a frictionless horizontal surface as shown. When the block leaves the wedge its velocity is measured to be 4.00 m/s to the right as shown in the figure. If the mass of the block is doubled to become 2m1, what can be said about the speed with which it leaves the wedge?
a) Its speed is less than 4.00 m/s
b) Its speed is equal to 4.00 m/s
c) Its speed is greater than 4.00 m/s
d) Not enough information is given.