Calculating Velocity in Inelastic Collisions

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AI Thread Summary
In the discussion on calculating velocity in inelastic collisions, a scenario is presented where a 24,000 kg box car collides with an 18,000 kg box car, locking together post-collision. The final velocity of the combined box cars is given as 1 m/s south. The equation for momentum conservation is applied, indicating that the initial momentum of the system must equal the final momentum. Clarification is sought on the meaning of "locked together," emphasizing that both cars move with a common velocity after the collision. The problem exemplifies a complete inelastic collision where the masses combine and move together.
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Homework Statement



A 24,000 kg box car traveling north at 2 m/s collides with an 18,000 kg box car. Upon collision the two box cars lock together. What is the velocity of the 18,000 box car before the collision if after the collision the two box cars are traveling south at 1 m/s?

Homework Equations



MaVai + MbVBi = MaMaf + MbVbf

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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what does "locked together" mean ? (show this on your "after" diagram)
 
like the cars combined
 
so, what is v_a,f ? ... what is v_b,f ?
 
mass of a, velocity of a initial etc
 
don't you know _numerical_values_ for the velocities afterward ?
 
It is a case of a complete inelastic collision,the two carts will move together with a common velocity.
m1v1 +m2(-v2)=(m1+m2)v
 

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