- #1
Charles W
- 20
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Homework Statement
There are two trolleys traveling in the same direction which are about to collide.
Trolley 1 is traveling at 4 metres per second and has a mass of 2kg
The other, Trolley 2, (which is in front) is moving a 1 metre per second and has a mass of 4kg.
After the impact, they move off together
What is the total kinetic energy of the trolleys after the collision:
1. 1.3J
2. 12J
3. 18J
4. 19J
Homework Equations
Linear Momentum (kgms^-1) = Mass (kg) * Velocity (ms^-1)
The Attempt at a Solution
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I could be approaching it completely the wrong way, but I have tried to work out the momentum of each trolley prior to the collision:
Momentum of Trolley 1 = 2kg * 4 metres per second = 8kgms^-1
Momentum of Trolley 2 = 4kg * 1 metre per second = 4kgms^-1
As I understand it, as momentum is conserved, the combined momentum once they have collided is 12kgms^-1
Any help would be much appreciated