Speed after collision of a truck

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a collision between a 7500kg truck and a 1500kg car, requiring the calculation of the wreckage's speed and direction post-collision. The initial momentum of both vehicles must be considered using vector analysis due to their different trajectories. The initial calculation of 7.5 m/s is incorrect, as momentum cannot be simply added without accounting for direction. Additionally, the friction coefficient of 0.85 is relevant for determining how far the wreckage will slide before stopping. Accurate vector calculations are essential for solving this physics problem effectively.
KatieLynn
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Homework Statement


A 7500kg truck traveling at 5 m/s east collides with a 1500kg car moving at 20 m/s direction south of west. After the collision, the two vehicles remain tangled together. A) With what speed and direction does the entangled wreckage move immediately after the collision? B) If the coefficient of friction between the sliding wreckage and the road is .85, how far will the wreckage go before it slides to a stop?


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



A) (7500kg)*(5m/s) + (1500kg)*(20m/s) = )7500kg+1500kg)V
V= 7.5 m/s
is that right?
 
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KatieLynn said:
A 7500kg truck traveling at 5 m/s east collides with a 1500kg car moving at 20 m/s direction south of west. After the collision, the two vehicles remain tangled together.

You can't just add the momenta of the vehicles because they did not meet along the same line. I'm afraid you're forced to use vectors for this problem.
 
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