Two carts on an air track have the same mass and speed and are traveling toward each other. If they collide and stick together, find the total momentum and total kinetic energy of the system.

, (before collision), (after collision).

Explanation:

The total momentum is obtained using the Principle of Momentum Conservation:

It is trivial to find that final speed and total momentum of the system are zero:

The total kinetic energy of the system becomes zero due to the inellastic collision and the same masses and speeds. Total kinetic energies before and after collision are, respectively:

Edit: You do mean Ridge?

Rocks near Mid-Ocean Ridge are younger than rocks near the trenches.

Seismic data shows oceanic crust is sinking into the mantle at the trenches.

Matching bands of magnetic rock are found on either side of the Ridge. Earth's magnetic fields change these bands over time.