Particle Collision: Cars Collide at Intersection - Magnitude & Direction

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SUMMARY

The collision of a 1100 kg car traveling north at 70 km/h and a 2000 kg car traveling west at 48 km/h results in a combined wreckage mass of 3100 kg. The correct method to find the magnitude of the velocity of the wreckage involves using the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the resultant velocity. The magnitude of the velocity of the wreckage is 84.9 km/h, and the direction can be determined using trigonometric functions to find the angle relative to the north. The calculations confirm that the initial approach using the Pythagorean theorem is valid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of vector addition
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic skills in trigonometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector addition in physics
  • Learn about momentum conservation in collisions
  • Explore trigonometric functions for angle calculations
  • Review examples of inelastic collisions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and vector analysis.

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A 1100 kg car traveling north (+j) at 70 km/h collides at an intersection with a 2000 kg car traveling west (-i) at 48 km/h. The two cars stick together.
Find the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the wreckage just after the collision

I did pythag. thereom and got 84.9, but it wrong??
 
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I am not getting the same answer as you, but I agree that the problem is basically just the Pythagorean Theorem. Check you math again. Do you know what the correct answer is?
 

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