Collision of Two Trucks: Calculate Combined Velocity After Inelastic Collision

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two trucks with equal masses colliding inelastically while moving towards each other at different speeds. The original poster attempts to calculate the combined velocity after the collision based on their initial speeds.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of momentum conservation in the context of the collision, questioning the setup of the equations used by the original poster. There are inquiries about the inclusion of mass in the calculations and the interpretation of the equations presented.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's calculations and prompting further clarification on the equations used. There is no explicit consensus yet, as different interpretations of the momentum equations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are addressing potential misunderstandings regarding the representation of mass in the equations and the implications of the inelastic collision setup. The original poster's assumptions about direction and speed are also under scrutiny.

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Homework Statement



Two trucks with the same masses are moving toward each other along a straight line with speeds of 50 mi/h and 60 mi/h. What is the speed of combined trucks after completely inelastic collision?
i assume the 50m/s is moving east, while 60m/s mass is moving west. That would make their final combined velocity

pi=1*50
p2= 1*(-60)
50+(-60)= -1 <--i put this negative one here, cause that's what you did.
10mi/h


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


pi=1*50
p2= 1*(-60)
50+(-60)= -1 <--i put this negative one here, i think that's right
10mi/h
which is actually wrong..
 
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hi teggenspiller! :smile:

you didn't put any mass on the RHS of your equation :redface:
 
tiny-tim!
-I Did! that's what the 1 is for in 1*50..
is that wrong?
 
hi teggenspiller! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)

isn't that a part of the LHS? :confused:

on the RHS you should have the mass of two trucks :wink:
 

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