Calculating Velocity After Collision of Two Cars

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the collision of two cars, focusing on the calculation of their combined velocity after the collision. The subject area is primarily centered on momentum conservation principles in mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply momentum concepts but expresses confusion regarding the correct formula and approach. Some participants suggest breaking down the problem by considering total momentum before and after the collision.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the momentum calculations. The original poster has calculated the total momentum before the collision and is seeking confirmation and further direction on how to find the speed after the collision.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the cars sticking together after the collision, which is a critical assumption in the problem. The original poster also notes difficulty in articulating their thoughts clearly, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

jmoser
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A car with a mass of 1007 kg is moving 36 m/s, strikes a 2499 kg car at rest. if the two cars stick together, with what speed do they move?

I tried using the equation mass of object 1st car*(initial velocity of car 1 + initial velocticy
of car 2) the divide by the mass of car 2. i don't know what to do please help :confused:
 
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sorry i wrote the wrong title
 
welcome to pf!

hi jmoser! welcome to pf! :wink:

(never make the first reply to your own question :redface: … it removes the question from the no-replies list! … if necessary, use the EDIT button instead :wink:)
jmoser said:
A car with a mass of 1007 kg is moving 36 m/s, strikes a 2499 kg car at rest. if the two cars stick together, with what speed do they move?

I tried using the equation mass of object 1st car*(initial velocity of car 1 + initial velocticy
of car 2) the divide by the mass of car 2. i don't know what to do please help :confused:

just take it slowly …

i] what is total momentum before?

ii] what is total momentum after? :smile:
 
ok thanks ill remember that :) ok the total momentum before is 36252 all i did was mass times velocity and add both momentum for both and that is what i got and after the collision it is the same right?
 
hi jmoser! :wink:
jmoser said:
ok the total momentum before is 36252

that's right! :smile:
all i did was mass times velocity and add both momentum for both and that is what i got and after the collision it is the same right?

your english is difficult to understand :confused:

yes, the total momentum after is also 36252 …

so what is the speed? :smile:​
 

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