Perfectly inelastic collision (distance)

AI Thread Summary
In a perfectly inelastic collision on a frictionless surface, the initial momentum of the moving object is conserved when it collides with a stationary object. To find the distance traveled after the collision, one must first identify any forces acting against the motion, as these will affect the system's acceleration. If no opposing forces are present, the objects will continue moving indefinitely. For scenarios involving slopes, like a 37-degree incline, the net force must be calculated to determine the system's acceleration. By using the final velocity and acceleration, the distance traveled can then be computed.
complexc25
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Lets say an object with an initial velocity collides with a still object. Collision is perfectly inelastic and the surface is frictionless. How can i know how far it traveled?
I solved for the sum of P final = the sum of P initial, but then i don't know how to relate to distance, all i have is velocity.
 
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I have the same problem, but my problem has an upward slope of 37 degrees that the objects (connected after collision) travel up. I wish i knew how to do this!
 
First you need to determine what will slow down the combined mass system. If there is nothing acting against the motion, then the motion will not stop. Once you've determined the net force acting on the system, you can determine the acceleration of the system, and using your newfound velocity, you can find the distance travelled.
 
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