B. Two additional experiments are performed that are identical to experiment 1 with one exception: the mass of the target glider is larger in each subsequent experiment (i.e., $m_{B_3} > m_{B_2} > m_{B_1}$). (The incoming gliders $A_1-A_3$ are identical and have the same initial velocity.)
The final velocities of all gliders are specified in the diagram at right.
1. Predict the ranking of the final momenta of the target gliders ($B_1-B_3$) according to magnitude, from largest to smallest. Explain your reasoning.
2. Complete the momentum vector diagrams below for experiments 1, 2, and 3. Your vectors need only be qualitatively correct.
Momentum of incoming glider ($A_1$, $A_2$, or $A_3$)
Momentum of target glider ($B_1$, $B_2$, or $B_3$)
Momentum of system ($S_1$, $S_2$, or $S_3$)
Initial
Final
Expt. 1
Final
Expt. 2
Final
Expt. 3
3. Use your momentum vector diagram to check your prediction in question 1. Resolve any inconsistencies.