Cadillac-Geo Collision: Calculating Speed of Impact

In summary: The net force on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration. The frictional force is a type of force that works against the motion of an object, causing it to slow down or decelerate. In summary, the problem involves two cars colliding on a level highway, with one traveling east and the other heading north. The cars remain tangled and slide to rest after traveling 25 m at an angle of 20° north of east. The coefficient of kinetic friction is given as 0.2. To solve for the initial velocity of the Cadillac before the collision, the frictional force must be calculated using the coefficient of kinetic friction and the normal force. This will provide the deceleration of the two cars, which can
  • #1
sealedhuman77
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Homework Statement


A Cadillac of mass 2250 kg going east collides with a Geo of mass 1180 kg headed north on a level highway. The cars remain tangled and slide to rest after traveling 25 m in a straight line at an angle of 20° north of east. The coefficient of kinetic friction for the tires on the road is 0.2. How fast was the Cadillac traveling before the unfortunate collision?

Homework Equations


Frictional Force = coefficient of friction x normal force, inelastic collision, conservation of momentum, motion formulas.

The Attempt at a Solution


Did not know how to approach problem.

Thanks for the help
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The frictional force allows you to calculate the deceleration of the two cars, which will allow you to solve for the initial velocity of the wreck, and then you can use the conservation of momentum law to calculate the components of the momentum before and after the collision, and thus the initial velocity of the Cadillac before the collision.
 
  • #3
With the coefficient of kinetic friction, am I suppose to use it with normal force to find frictional force?

And also, I don't really understand how frictional force applies to deceleration.
 
  • #4
With the coefficient of kinetic friction, am I suppose to use it with normal force to find frictional force?
Yes.

And also, I don't really understand how frictional force applies to deceleration.
Newton's 2nd law.
 

1. What is a Cadillac-Geo collision?

A Cadillac-Geo collision refers to a car accident involving a Cadillac and a Geo vehicle. It may involve a head-on collision, rear-end collision, or any other type of collision between these two types of cars.

2. How is the speed of impact calculated in a Cadillac-Geo collision?

The speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision is calculated by using the equation: Speed = (distance traveled)/(time taken). This can be done by measuring the distance between the two vehicles after the collision and dividing it by the time taken for the collision to occur, which can be determined by eyewitness accounts or using data from the car's black box.

3. What factors influence the speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision?

The speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision can be influenced by various factors such as the speed at which both cars were traveling, the weight and size of the vehicles, road conditions, and any external forces such as weather or road obstacles.

4. Why is it important to calculate the speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision?

Calculating the speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision can provide valuable information for accident investigations and insurance claims. It can also help determine the severity of the collision and the potential injuries sustained by those involved.

5. Can the speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision be accurately determined?

The speed of impact in a Cadillac-Geo collision can be accurately determined by using various methods such as crash reconstruction techniques, analyzing data from the car's black box, and considering eyewitness accounts. However, the accuracy of the speed calculation may vary depending on the availability and reliability of these methods.

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