Trains colliding and latching together

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving two train cars colliding and latching together. The first train car has a mass of 550 kg and moves at a speed of 7.2 m/s, while the final velocity after the collision is 4.7 m/s. The correct approach to find the mass of the second train car (m2) is to apply the principle of conservation of momentum, leading to the equation 550 kg * 7.2 m/s + m2 * 0 = (550 kg + m2) * 4.7 m/s. The calculated mass of the second train car is approximately 292.55 kg, confirming the need to consider the initial state of the second car in the momentum equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum conservation principles
  • Familiarity with basic algebraic manipulation
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy concepts
  • Ability to set up and solve equations involving multiple variables
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  • Study the conservation of momentum in elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Learn how to analyze systems with multiple objects in motion
  • Explore the differences between kinetic energy before and after collisions
  • Practice solving similar physics problems involving collisions and latching
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and collision problems, as well as educators looking for examples of momentum conservation in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement


A train car with mass m1 = 550 kg is moving to the right with a speed of v1 = 7.2 m/s and collides with a second train car. The two cars latch together during the collision and then move off to the right at vf = 4.7 m/s.2)What is the mass of the second train car?

Homework Equations




momentum before = momentum after.

kinetic energy before does not equal kinetic after.

The Attempt at a Solution



okay, I assumed the second car is not moving and solved for v final using this:

m1v1+m2v2=(m1+m2)v final.

My answer was wrong. Any ideas. My guess is that I shouldn't assume the second train car isn't moving but I don't know another way to solve it in that case.
 
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How do u know that your answer is incorrect i attempted your problem your equation m1v1+m2v2=(m1+m2)vf appears correct to me it gives 550*7.2+0=(550+m2)4.7 and I got an answer of 292.55 kg.
 

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