Answer:
a. I = Â -3mvâ‚€/2 b. F = -3mvâ‚€/2t
Explanation:
a. Use the impulse-momentum to write an equation for the  system which is the cart only.
We know Impulse , I = Δp where Δp = change in momentum.
Now, Δp = m(v - u) where m = mass of cart, u = initial velocity of cart = v₀ and v = rebound velocity of cart = -v₀/2 (negative since it moves in the opposite direction to u)
So, I =  Δp = m(v - u)
Substituting the values of the variables into the equation, we have
I = m(-vâ‚€/2 - vâ‚€) = -3mvâ‚€/2
So, I = Â -3mvâ‚€/2
b. If the time during which the bumper exerts a force on the cart is t, write an expression for the force F exerted on the cart in terms of the given variables.
We know impulse I = Ft where F = force exerted on the cart and t = time force acts
Also, I = -3mvâ‚€/2
So, Ft = -3mvâ‚€/2
F = -3mvâ‚€/2t