Find the angle and the velocity of two cars after collision

In summary, the conversation discusses the collision of two cars on an icy parking lot, with one car traveling at a speed of 20 km/h and the other traveling perpendicular at 15 km/h. After the collision, the cars will move at a velocity of 12.95 km/h and at an angle of 30.96 degrees. The equations used to calculate these values are p=mv and tan=opp/adj. The calculations were confirmed to be correct.
  • #1
mmoadi
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Homework Statement



Two cars are driving on an icy parking lot, searching for a free parking space. The first car has a mass m1= 1000 kg and traveling at a speed of 20 km/h, the second car has a mass of m2= 800 kg and drives perpendicular to the direction of the first car at a speed of 15 km/h. They are not aware of each other and crash, so that their cars slide together at an angle θ along previous direction of the first car.
- With what velocity will the two cars be moving immediately after the collision?
- Find the angle at which the two cars start moving?

http://www.slide.com/s/kqikbbPm1j8EewZiTRju4CCgaHODnfDF?referrer=hlnk

Homework Equations



p= mv
tan= opp/adj

The Attempt at a Solution



First part: With what velocity will the two cars be moving immediately after the collision?

x-direction: m(1)v(1) + 0= (m(1) + m(2))v(x) → v(x)= m(1)v(1) / (m(1) + m(2))
v(x)= 11.11 km/h
y-direction: 0 + m(2)v(2)= (m(1) + m(2))v(y) → v(y)= m(2)v(2) / (m(1) + m(2))
v(y)= 6.66 km/h

v²= v(x)² + v(y)²
v= 12.95 km/h

Second part: Find the angle at which the two cars start moving?

tan θ= v(y) / v(x)= [m(2)v(2) / (m(1) + m(2))] / [m(1)v(1) / (m(1) + m(2))]= m(2)v(2) / m(2)v(2)= 0.6
θ= 30.96 º

I really need to know if may calculations are correct.
Thank you for helping!:smile:
 
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  • #2
Yes, they're correct.
 
  • #3
Thank you :smile: !
 

1. How do you calculate the angle of two cars after a collision?

The angle of two cars after a collision can be calculated using the formula: tanθ = (Vy1 - Vy2) / (Vx1 - Vx2), where θ is the angle between the two cars, Vy1 and Vy2 are the vertical velocities of the two cars before the collision, and Vx1 and Vx2 are the horizontal velocities of the two cars before the collision.

2. What information is needed to find the velocity of two cars after a collision?

To find the velocity of two cars after a collision, you will need to know the masses and velocities of both cars before the collision, as well as the angle of collision.

3. Can the angle and velocity of two cars after a collision be determined without knowing their masses?

No, the masses of the two cars are needed to accurately calculate the angle and velocity after a collision. Without this information, the calculations may be incomplete or inaccurate.

4. Is there a specific equation for finding the velocity of two cars after a head-on collision?

Yes, the equation for finding the velocity of two cars after a head-on collision is: Vf = (m1V1i + m2V2i) / (m1 + m2), where Vf is the final velocity, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two cars, and V1i and V2i are the initial velocities of the two cars before the collision.

5. How can the angle and velocity of two cars after a collision be used in accident reconstruction?

The angle and velocity of two cars after a collision can be used in accident reconstruction to determine the cause and severity of the collision. They can also help in determining the positions and speeds of the cars before the collision, which can aid in understanding the events leading up to the accident.

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