Car-Minivan Collision: Final Velocity Vector

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a collision between a car and a minivan, where the car has a mass of 1000 kg and travels at 15 m/s east, while the minivan has a mass of 1200 kg and travels at 20 m/s north. After the collision, both vehicles stick together, prompting a calculation of their final velocity vector. The user has calculated a velocity of 17.72 m/s but is uncertain if this is the final velocity and how to proceed with the problem. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using conservation of momentum and understanding vector properties in inelastic collisions.
Sudipta360
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Homework Statement


A car with a mass of 1000 kg traveling with a velocity of 15m/s east collides with a 1200 kg minivan traveling at a velocity of 20m/s north. After the collision the car and the minivan are stuck together. Draw to the scale the final velocity vector of the car and minivan after the crash.
so like how would i set this up?

Homework Equations


I got the answer of 17.72 for velocity. But i don't know what to take on after this step. Is this the final velocity?

The Attempt at a Solution


Ptotal/mass = velocity
 
Last edited:
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Welcome to PF,

Have you tried to use conservation of momentum?

(In future, post your attempt at the problem together with its statement. The rule at PF is that no help should be provided if no attempt is shown.)
 
Think about what vector property of the cars that are conserved in the (in-elastic) collision and how you may draw these vectors in a diagram.
 
1. Homework Statement
A car with a mass of 1000 kg traveling with a velocity of 15m/s east collides with a 1200 kg minivan traveling at a velocity of 20m/s north. After the collision the car and the minivan are stuck together. Draw to the scale the final velocity vector of the car and minivan after the crash.
so like how would i set this up?

2. Homework Equations
I got the answer of 17.72 for velocity. But i don't know what to take on after this step. Is this the final velocity?

3. The Attempt at a Solution
Ptotal/mass = velocity
 

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