Two protons approach each other with different speeds a Will

Two protons approach each other with different speeds, (a) Will the magnitude of the total momentum of the two-proton system be (1) greater than the magnitude of the momentum of either proton, (2) equal to the difference between the magnitudes of momenta of the two protons, or (3) equal to the sum of the magnitudes of momenta of the two protons? Why? (b) If the speeds of the two protons are 340 m/s and 450 m/s, respectively, what is the total momentum of the two-proton system?

Solution

Magnitude of total momentum is less than individual momentum as both protons are approaching each other. So momentum of one would cancel out momentum of other when we calculate the total momentum.

b)mass of proton = 1.67 * 10^-37 kg

Velocity of one = 450 m/s

velocity of other proton = -340 m/s

So momnetum = 1.67*10^-27 8 (450-340) = 1.837 * 10^-25 Kg m/s