Does Mass Affect Velocity in Collisions?

[StephenDoty]

True or False: In a collision between a small car and a large truck, the car and the truck undergo the same change in velocities.

False- mor mass more change in velocity

right??

 

[Shooting Star]

You have not explained how you got that. But do you remember conservation of linear momentum?

 

[StephenDoty]

well the massive truck will have more of a change in velocity than the small car since more mass means more change in velocity.

Right?

 

[tiny-tim]

mor mass more change in velocity

erm … if a 100 ton truck at 50 mph hits a roller-skate at 0 mph, which changes speed more?

 

[StephenDoty]

right
so the car and truck do not change velocities at the same rate, which makes the original statement false.

 

[tiny-tim]

So is it still "more mass more change in velocity"?

 

[StephenDoty]

no the less massive object will have a more change of a velocity due to the more massive object. But the origonal statement is still false, right??

 

[tiny-tim]

Yes! ​

I'm going to bed … :zzz: