Momentum Investigation: Car collision

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a collision between a Ford and a stationary Vauxhall, focusing on whether the Ford was traveling over 13.41 m/s before impact. Participants highlight the application of the conservation of momentum principle, noting that while momentum can be calculated, determining the distance covered by the Vauxhall requires additional information, such as friction or time. There is uncertainty about the completeness of the question, with suggestions that the 13.42 figure may refer to velocity rather than displacement. The need for further data to solve the problem is emphasized. Overall, the conversation underscores the complexities involved in analyzing collision dynamics without all necessary variables.
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(Q) A Ford car of mass 1138kg, collides with a Vauxhall car, of mass 1849kg, stationary at a stop line. The ford stops immediately but pushes the Vauxhall forward 13.42m. Was the Ford traveling over 13.41m/s before the collision?


I can't seem to find a solution as everything I have tried, I always end up needing a time value.
 
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Merely use the law of conservation of momentum. m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v3 + m2v4...
 
You can get the velocity of Vauxhall car by conservation of momentum but as for distance covered you either need the value of frictional coefficient between the car and road (and hence find the distance covered when it stops) or the time at which distance is measured. Are you sure the question is complete? Or it may be that 13.42 is the velocity and not the displacement?
 
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