Car Collision Dynamics Analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a car collision scenario involving two vehicles, where one car is moving and the other is stationary. Participants are tasked with finding the common velocity after impact, average acceleration during the collision, the force exerted on each car, and the percentage of energy loss.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the conservation of momentum and the need for mass values to solve the problem. There are attempts to calculate the common velocity and average acceleration, but some participants question the validity of the approaches used, particularly regarding the application of force and acceleration concepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on each other's calculations and questioning assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to conserve linear momentum, and there is acknowledgment of missing information, such as the time interval for acceleration calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the masses of the cars are provided, but the lack of a time interval for acceleration calculations is highlighted as a constraint. There is also a mention of homework rules that may limit the information shared.

kian651
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Homework Statement



Car A moving at 30 km/h strikes car B (stationary). The two become entangled and move together.

Find:

Common velocity after impact. V2

Average acceleration of both cars during impact.

Magnitude of the force exerted on each car during impact.

Percentage energy loss.


I need numbers please.

I found
V2: 5/55
acc A= -27.8 ACC B= 55.53

Force F=ma for each.

Energy loss= 1/2 mv^2 initial -( 1/2 mv^2 A final+ 1/2 mv^2 B final)



Is that right?
 
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kian651 said:
Is that right?

I can't tell without the masses of the two cars.
 
lol sorry man,
A- 1800 KG
B - 900 KG
 
Your answer is not correct. To begin with, F = ma is not the issue here. The cars are not accelerating. They are moving at constant velocity until they collide. You need to conserve linear momentum. Please try again and show exactly what you did so that I can point out where you went wrong if that happens to be the case.
 
Average acceleration needs a time interval... not given. Not really solvable. :P
 

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