Question

In a collision between a massive cart and a less massive one (on our low friction track), which one will experience greater force? Greater impulse? Greater acceleration? Greater displacement?

Answer 1

The impulse is same on both the masses. (This is the conservation of momentum)

Force is the rate of change of momentum. Since the momentum is same and the interaction time between them is same. The force is same

Both will experience same force.

Smaller mass will have more acceleration. (F = ma; since F value is same for both, more the mass less is the acceleration)

More the acceleration, more is the displacement.

So, the displacement is greater for less massive one.

Final answers

Equal force on both

Equal impulse on both

Greater acceleration on less massive one.

Greater displacement on less massive one.