Solving a Drunk Driver's Collision Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving a collision between a 1026.0 kg sports car and a 1913.0 kg station wagon. The sports car's initial speed was calculated to be 34.03 m/s based on the friction and distance the vehicles slid after the collision. The second part of the problem requires estimating the instantaneous acceleration during the collision, where the user attempted to apply the equation vf² = vi² + 2a(change in x) but struggled with the correct values for vf and the energy considerations. The importance of including mass in the energy equation was highlighted as a critical factor in solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inelastic collisions and momentum conservation
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically vf² = vi² + 2a(change in x)
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their impact on motion
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of inelastic collisions and momentum conservation
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in collision scenarios
  • Learn about the role of friction in motion and energy loss during collisions
  • Explore the relationship between mass, velocity, and energy in collision problems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding collision dynamics and the application of kinematic equations in real-world scenarios.

DevilishNole
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Hey, I was wondering if anyone could help me with this problem:

You are the juror of a case involving a drunken driver whose 1026.0 kg sports car ran into a stationary 1913.0 kg station wagon stopped at a red traffic light. The cars stuck together and slid with locked wheels for 12.0 m before coming to rest. The coefficient of sliding friction on the dry road was 0.6. Estimate the speed of the sports car when it hit the station wagon.

I was able to figure out that the answer is equal to 34.03 m/s. However, the second part of the problem has me confused:

Estimate the instantaneous acceleration of the sports car during the actual collision if the colliding cars reach the same final speed after collapsing a combined total distance of 1.0 m.

I used the equation vf^2=vi^2+ 2a(change in x) and solved for a. For vf I used the velocity I got for the final velocity of the two cars after the collision (since it's an inelastic collision) and I got vi=0 because the station wagon was at rest. For the "change in x" I plugged in 1 m. I can't seem to get the answer, can anyone help me please?
 
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Are you considering energy of friction?

Where are your masses in the energy equation?
 

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