Can I Calculate the Momentum of Two Colliding Cars?

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Momentum can be calculated for two colliding cars if their masses and velocities are known. In the scenario where two cars collide head-on at 50 meters per second, and their final velocity is 20 meters per second, the conservation of momentum principle applies. The equation derived shows the relationship between the masses of the two cars, indicating that the mass of one car can be expressed in terms of the other. To find the total momentum, the mass of each car and their velocities must be known, and the formula p = mv can be used. Therefore, it is indeed possible to calculate the momentum of the two cars involved in the collision.
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If two cars collide going 50 meters/ second head on. Their velocity final was 20 meters per second. For 10 meters. Could i find the momentum?
 
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I don't think you can but there's a lot that I don't know. It's easy to find the ratio of the masses though; maybe you can see a way to apply that and find the answer you are looking for.

conserve momentum:
before = after
50m1 - 50m2 = 20(m1 + m2)
50m1 - 50m2 = 20m1 + 20m2
30m1 = 70m2
m1 = (7/3)m2
 


Yes, you could find the momentum of the two cars. Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity, so you would need to know the mass of the two cars in order to calculate their momentum. From the information given, you would also need to know the time it took for the cars to travel the 10 meters in order to calculate their final velocity. With these values, you can use the formula for momentum (p = mv) to find the momentum of each car, and then add them together to find the total momentum of the system.
 

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