Car-Minivan Collision: Final Velocity Vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision problem involving a car and a minivan, focusing on the final velocity vector after an inelastic collision. The car has a mass of 1000 kg and is traveling east at 15 m/s, while the minivan has a mass of 1200 kg and is traveling north at 20 m/s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of conservation of momentum as a potential approach. There are questions about how to set up the problem and whether the calculated velocity of 17.72 m/s is indeed the final velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on considering vector properties conserved during the collision and the importance of drawing vectors in a diagram. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of showing attempts in future posts, as per forum rules, and there is a mention of the inelastic nature of the collision affecting the analysis.

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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