Does Mass Affect Velocity in Collisions?

In summary, the statement "In a collision between a small car and a large truck, the car and the truck undergo the same change in velocities" is false. The more massive object, in this case the truck, will experience a greater change in velocity due to the principle of conservation of linear momentum. In the example given, a 100 ton truck at 50 mph hitting a roller-skate at 0 mph, the truck would experience a much larger change in velocity compared to the roller-skate. Therefore, the original statement is false.
  • #1
StephenDoty
265
0
True or False: In a collision between a small car and a large truck, the car and the truck undergo the same change in velocities.

False- mor mass more change in velocity

right??
 
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  • #2
You have not explained how you got that. But do you remember conservation of linear momentum?
 
  • #3
well the massive truck will have more of a change in velocity than the small car since more mass means more change in velocity.

Right?
 
  • #4
StephenDoty said:
mor mass more change in velocity

erm … if a 100 ton truck at 50 mph hits a roller-skate at 0 mph, which changes speed more? :rolleyes:
 
  • #5
right
so the car and truck do not change velocities at the same rate, which makes the origional statement false.
 
  • #6
So is it still "more mass more change in velocity"? :smile:
 
  • #7
no the less massive object will have a more change of a velocity due to the more massive object. But the origonal statement is still false, right??
 
  • #8
:rofl: Yes! :rofl:​

I'm going to bed … :zzz:
 

1. What is velocity in collisions?

Velocity in collisions refers to the speed at which two objects are moving towards each other before a collision occurs.

2. How is velocity calculated in collisions?

Velocity can be calculated by dividing the distance an object travels by the time it takes to travel that distance. In collisions, velocity can also be calculated by using the conservation of momentum equation.

3. What factors affect velocity in collisions?

The mass and speed of the objects involved in the collision can affect the resulting velocity. The angle and direction of the collision can also play a role in determining the final velocity of the objects.

4. Can velocity change during a collision?

Yes, velocity can change during a collision. This is due to the transfer of kinetic energy between the objects involved, which can alter their speed and direction of movement.

5. How does velocity in collisions relate to the laws of motion?

Velocity in collisions is governed by the laws of motion, specifically the laws of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy. These laws dictate that in a closed system, the total momentum and energy before and after a collision must be equal.

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