Momentum Investigation: Car collision

In summary, a 1138kg Ford car collided with a stationary 1849kg Vauxhall car, pushing it forward 13.42m. It is not possible to determine the Ford's initial velocity without knowing the frictional coefficient or time.
  • #1
Silurias
1
0
(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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  • #2
Merely use the law of conservation of momentum. m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v3 + m2v4...
 
  • #3
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?
 

1. What is momentum and why is it important in car collisions?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. In car collisions, momentum is important because it determines the severity of the impact and the force exerted on the objects involved. The greater the momentum, the more force will be exerted, resulting in more damage and potential injuries.

2. How is momentum conserved in a car collision?

Momentum is conserved in a car collision according to the law of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. In a car collision, the momentum of the two vehicles before the collision is equal to the momentum of the two vehicles after the collision, as long as there are no external forces acting on the system.

3. How does the mass and velocity of a car affect its momentum?

The momentum of a car is directly proportional to its mass and velocity. This means that the greater the mass and velocity of a car, the more momentum it will have. This is why larger and faster cars tend to cause more damage in collisions.

4. What factors can affect the momentum of a car in a collision?

The main factors that can affect the momentum of a car in a collision are the mass and velocity of the car, as well as any external forces acting on the car (such as friction or air resistance). Other factors such as the angle of impact and the type of collision (head-on, rear-end, etc.) can also affect the momentum and outcome of a collision.

5. How can momentum be calculated in a car collision?

Momentum can be calculated in a car collision by multiplying the mass of the object by its velocity. In a car collision involving two vehicles, the total momentum of the system can be calculated by adding the individual momentums of the two vehicles. This can be used to determine the severity of the collision and the forces involved.

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