m1v1 + m2v2= (m1+m2) V
V= (m1v1+m2v2)/ (m1+m2)
V= (1200kg(-26.82m/s) + 3000kg(26.82m/s))/ (1200kg+ 3000kg)
V= 11.49 m/s
change in velocity:
large car: 26.82-11.49= 15.33 m/s
small car: -26.82-11.49= -38.31 m/s
so the direction is what influences which car has a greater change in velocity...
so momentum is conserved when there are no external forces acting on the collision. In this case, it would be conserved because the two cars are the only thing in the collision. (the prompt doesn't mention whether the collision is inelastic or elastic)
The momentum is conserved in a collision...
Homework Statement
Two cars, one a compact with mass 1200 kg and the other a large with mass 3000 kg, collide head on at 60 mi/hr.
a. Which car has a greater magnitude or momentum change? Which car has a greater change in velocity?
b. Which car's occupant's would you expect to sustain...