Solve Vehicle Collision Problems with Quick Homework Help – No Numeric Answers

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A user is seeking help with a physics problem involving a collision between two vehicles of different masses. They have successfully calculated the speed of the vehicles after impact but are struggling with determining the force of the impact and the acceleration during the collision. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding momentum changes for both vehicles involved in the collision. Participants highlight that the total momentum change for the system must be considered to find the force. The conversation focuses on conceptual understanding rather than providing numeric answers.
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Hi all, struggling with a question.

A vehicle of mass 600kg, moving at a speed of 30m/s, collides with a stationary vehicle of mass 900kg. The two vehicles lock together on impact. Calculate

a) The speed of the vehicles immediately after impact

b) the force of the impact, if the duration of the collision was 0.15s,

c) the acceleration of each vehicle during the collision.

I've done part a, but struggling with b). Any help much appriciated, no numeric answers though please.

Thanks all
 
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Force= rate of change of momentum
 
rock.freak667 said:
Force= rate of change of momentum

I know that, but is it the rate of change of momentum for the whole system, as the moving car slows down, whereas the stationary car speeds up after the collision. So how would I find the change in momentum?
 
Can anyone help, I really need this homework done?
 
Change = Final value - Initial value

You are right, one car slows down and the other speeds up and the momentum of either car changes. What is the sum of the two momentum changes, though?
 

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