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Tribean
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Homework Statement
If two objects are moving towards each other with two different velocities and two different mass then crash and stick together, find the force acted upon each object during the collision if the collision occurred over some time "t"Homework Equations
m1v1+m2v2 = (m1+m2)v[itex]_{f}[/itex]impulse = dp/dt
The Attempt at a Solution
I just have a basic question on the use of the mass and velocities within the impulse equation.Would we use the final velocity and mass and subtract the initial velocities and mass of the objects. as so:
((m1+m2)(v_f) - (m1)(v1))/t
to get the impulse of the collision on object one? and do the same for object two.
OR
do we use their distinct momentum to subtract from one another:
((m1)(v1) - (m2)(v2))/t
I'm just having a hard time understanding the use of the equation conceptually. Can anyone help dumb it down a bit for me? Thanks!