Calculating Unknown Mass & Speed After Car Collision | Homework Help

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To solve the collision problem, the conservation of momentum principle is applied, where the total momentum before the collision equals the total momentum after. Car A has a known mass of 1000 kg and travels at 40 m/s east, while Car B's mass is unknown and it travels south at 15 m/s. The wreckage moves southeast after the collision, indicating the combined momentum vectors must balance. Using vector addition and the given speeds, the mass of Car B can be calculated by setting up equations based on the momentum components. Ultimately, the problem requires careful application of momentum conservation and trigonometric relationships to find both the mass of Car B and the initial speed of the wreckage.
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Homework Statement


Two vehicles traveling as shown collide at an intersection and lock together. Car A ha sa mass of 1000 kg and was traveling east at 40 m/s. Car B has an unknown mass and was headed south at 15 m/s. If the wreckage skids exactly southeast just after the collision, then what is the mass of Car B. Also, what was the initial speed of the wreckage?


Homework Equations


p=mv
Pti = Ptf


The Attempt at a Solution


The thing that is throwing me off with this question is the fact that Car B is of unknown mass. I tried to do trigonometry using the two vectors given, 4000 kg(m/s) [E] and (x)(15 m/s) , but I couldn't seem to work out an answer.
 
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Momentum is a vector quantity. So addition of momentum of A plus momentum of B forms a closed triangle. You are told the angle/s.
 

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