How to Calculate Momentum and Find Forces in a Collision?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating momentum and forces during a collision between a car and a truck. The car, with a mass of 1000 kg and an initial speed of 10 m/s, collides head-on with a truck of mass 2000 kg moving at 5 m/s in the opposite direction. After the impact, the car moves at 2 m/s in the opposite direction. The rate of change of momentum for the car is calculated as 48,000 N, based on the formula Mv - Mu divided by the time of impact (0.25 seconds). Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the laws of conservation of momentum and impulse to solve the problem accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum and its calculation
  • Knowledge of Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of impulse
  • Basic principles of conservation of momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in collisions
  • Learn about impulse and its relationship to force and time
  • Review Newton's laws of motion, particularly the Third Law
  • Practice solving collision problems using different mass and velocity scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of collisions and forces involved.

Messiah19
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Homework Statement



2:

A car of mass 1000kg moving with a speed of 10m/s has head on collision with a truck of mass 2000kg moving in the opposite direction with a speed of 5m/s. After impact the car moves with a speed of 2m/s in the opposite direction to its original motion.

1 Calculate the rate of change of momentum of the car if the impact lasts for 0.25 sec

2 what is the force that the car exerts on the truck during impact. State the laws.

3 Find the velocity of the truck after collision

Homework Equations



No equations given

The Attempt at a Solution



1: Mv- Mu
1000 * 10 - 1000* -2 = 12000/0.25 = 48 000 N

2: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction so 48000 N

3: don't have a clue :(
 
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Messiah19 said:

Homework Equations



No equations given

Yes there are. Look up "conservation of momentum" and "impulse".

The Attempt at a Solution


1: Mv- Mu
1000 * 10 - 1000* -2 = 12000/0.25 = 48 000 N

You've got the units wrong. If you multiply mass times velocity, you get a momentum, not a force. But even after correcting that, it gives you the change [itex]\Delta p[/itex] in momentum. You were asked for the rate of change [itex]\Delta p / \Delta t[/itex] of the momentum.

2: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction so 48000 N

Again, look up "impulse" in your book.

3: don't have a clue :(

For this one, look up "conservation of momentum" in your book.

Try to implement my advice in another solution attempt. If you're still stuck, then repost.
 

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