How to Calculate Average Force Vectors During a Collision?

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To calculate the average force vectors during a completely inelastic collision between two bodies, the impulse-momentum theorem is applied. The masses of the bodies are 1200 kg and 800 kg, with initial velocities given. The common velocity after the collision is determined to be (2.6i + 3.4j) m/s. The change in momentum for each body is calculated by finding the difference between final and initial momentum, then dividing by the collision duration of 0.2 seconds to find the average force. Following the provided steps leads to the correct force vector of (-14400i + 2400j) N for body A.
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Hi friends,
I am preparing for my exam and i am stuck with this problem, please help me out.
It won't take too long, I hope.

Homework Statement


Two bodies A and B have masses mA and mB respectively and collide completely inelastic.
Given that the mass of body A is 1200 kg and body B is 800 kg determine the avergage force vectors acting on each body during the collision. The collision itself lasts for 0.2 s.


Homework Equations


Velocity of body A: (5i + 3j) m/s
Velocity of body B: (-i + 4j) m/s

Common velocity after collision I found to be: (2.6i + 3.4j) m/s (this eq was derived in a previous question with mA = 3/2 mB)

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I have tried using the momentum impulse theorem only to find out that the total momentum was conserved, which is good indeed. However I don't know how to find the answer I have kind of like used up my knowledge on impulse.
The answer is (-14400i + 2400j) N.
I have no clue how this answer was derived.
Please help.
 
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To find the force on a given body, use the impulse-momentum theorem:

\vec{F}\Delta t = \Delta (m\vec{v})

What's the change in momentum of body A?
 
I have tried this equation but I just seem to get -4000i+16000j. But this seems to be wrong.
Any further advice? I mean I substituted the final momentum from the initial momentum of A and divided by time, which however is initial momentum of B.
Doesnt make sense. Please help
 
Do it step by step:
(1) Find the change in velocity of A. (Final velocity minus initial.)
(2) Then find the change in momentum.
(3) Then the force.
 
Hi Doc Al,
I am really sorry for the late response but I was so busy studying that i haven't been able to check the post.
THank you very much for your help, I finally got it (actually right now). I followed your steps and I am really thankful for your help.
 
Excellent. (And you are very welcome.)
 
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