Which vehicle experiences the greater momentum change in a head-on collision?

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In a head-on collision between a compact car and a large truck that stick together, both vehicles experience the same magnitude of momentum change due to the conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, meaning the changes in momentum for both vehicles are equal and opposite. Therefore, it is not necessary to know the final velocity of the combined masses to determine the momentum change. This principle applies regardless of the size difference between the vehicles. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing collisions in physics.
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i need help for this question. i don't know if i got it right or wrong:

a compact car and a large truck collide head on and stick together. which undergoes the larger momentum change?

i thought the answer is "can't tell without knowing the final velocity of the combined masses." Am i correct?
 
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Originally posted by Xamfy19
i thought the answer is "can't tell without knowing the final velocity of the combined masses." Am i correct?
No. Total momentum is conserved during the collision. Think about what that means.
 
thanks Doc

That means both of them undergone same momentum change. If I am wrong, please let me know. Thanks again, Doc
 


Originally posted by Xamfy19
That means both of them undergone same momentum change. If I am wrong, please let me know.
Each undergoes the same magnitude of momentum change. (The changes are equal and opposite, of course.)
 
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