Conservation of momentum of a boxcar

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a boxcar collision scenario, specifically focusing on the conservation of momentum during a completely inelastic collision where two objects stick together after impact. The subject area pertains to mechanics and momentum principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of momentum equations and the implications of a completely inelastic collision. There are questions about the final velocity and the mass of the second car, as well as considerations regarding significant figures.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing insights into the nature of the collision and the relevant formulas. There is an exploration of the relationship between momentum, mass, and velocity, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the need to determine the mass of the second car based on the given information and the rules of significant figures in their calculations.

kmax12
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A 9700 kg boxcar traveling at 18 m/s strikes a stationary second car. The two stick together and move off with a speed of 8.0 m/s. What is the mass of the second car?



p=ma



is 21825 m/s the answer? sig figs?
 
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its asking for mass...
 
Ok, so this is an example of completely inelastic collision- that means that the 2 bodies will have the same final velocity. Use the formula for the final velocity, and find the mass of the car. Did that help?
 
P=mv

P = momentum, m=mass, v=velocity...
 

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