Speed after collision of a truck

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a collision problem involving a 7500kg truck traveling at 5 m/s east and a 1500kg car moving at 20 m/s south of west. The entangled wreckage moves with a speed of 7.5 m/s immediately after the collision, calculated using momentum conservation principles. However, participants emphasize the necessity of vector analysis due to the differing directions of the vehicles. Additionally, the coefficient of friction between the wreckage and the road is 0.85, which is crucial for determining the stopping distance of the wreckage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles
  • Familiarity with vector addition and analysis
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their application
  • Basic physics of collisions and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector decomposition in collision scenarios
  • Learn about momentum conservation in two-dimensional collisions
  • Research the effects of friction on motion and stopping distances
  • Explore real-world applications of collision physics in vehicle safety
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and professionals involved in vehicle safety and accident reconstruction.

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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