How can the stunt be possible with a minimum force of 600 N?

[Masafi]

A car drives down a ramp onto the back of a moving lorry. Both are moving at high speed, the car slightly faster than the lorry.

The car has mass 1250 kg and is moving at a speed of 28.0 m s–1. The lorry has mass 3500 kg and a speed of 25.5 m s–1. The length of the flat back of the lorry allows a braking distance of 5.0 m.

By considering both momentum and energy show that the stunt is possible, provided a minimum force of about 600 N slows the car down. You should support your explanations with calculations.

Treat the situation as one in which two objects join together

I manage to get the answer of 576 N using the method told to use.

However, I wanted to know, why doesn’t the answer work out if I do:

1. find velocity using conservation of linear momentum (as would in the normal procedure)
2. use constant acc equations to find the deceleration
3. then do F=ma?

This would give Acc = -9.73 and F = 12kN?

 

[Char. Limit]

Good question... I don't believe conservation of momentum really applies here, as the two objects aren't crashing into each other. But I might just be crazy. Now for my question: What the heck is a lorry?

 

[Masafi]

Good question... I don't believe conservation of momentum really applies here, as the two objects aren't crashing into each other. But I might just be crazy. Now for my question: What the heck is a lorry?

Yeah it doesn't, that's what i thought as well, but the questions states it.

Its british for a truck lol...