How Much Does the Caboose Weigh After a Collision?

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The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a 29,000 kg railroad freight car colliding with a stationary caboose. The collision results in the coupling of the two cars, with 25% of the initial kinetic energy dissipated. Participants suggest using the conservation of momentum to determine the mass of the caboose. The problem emphasizes the application of fundamental physics principles in collision scenarios.

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Freight Car-Caboose Collision

Hi, I'm a new user here. i need a help with this question:

A 29000-kg railroad freight car collides with a stationary caboose car. They couple together, and 25 percent of the initial kinetic energy is dissipated as heat, sound, vibrations, and so on. What is the mass of the caboose?
 
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Hi alaajassar! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Call the initial velocity u, and the final velocity v, and use conservation of momentum.

What do you get? :smile:​
 

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