Calculating the Speed of a Sports Car in a Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a 910-kg sports car that collides with a 3000-kg SUV, which is stationary at a red light. The collision results in both vehicles skidding 2.8 meters before coming to a stop, with a coefficient of kinetic friction estimated at 0.80. Participants recommend using conservation of momentum and standard constant acceleration equations to determine the sports car's speed at impact. The calculations involve applying physics principles to derive the initial speed accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of momentum
  • Familiarity with constant acceleration equations
  • Knowledge of kinetic friction concepts
  • Basic physics principles related to collisions
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicle collisions and the application of physics in real-world scenarios.

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A 910-{\rm kg} sports car collides into the rear end of a 3000-{\rm kg} SUV stopped at a red light. The bumpers lock, the brakes are locked, and the two cars skid forward 2.8 {\rm m} before stopping. The police officer, estimating the coefficient of kinetic friction between tires and road to be 0.80, calculates the speed of the sports car at impact.
What was that speed in m/s?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi azzs! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Use conservation of momentum for the inital speed, and then use one of the standard constant acceleration equations.

Show us what you get. :smile:
 

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