What Is the Final Velocity of Two Colliding Putty Wads?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the final velocity of two colliding putty wads with different masses and velocities. Wad 1 has a mass of 5.00 kg and moves south at 21.0 m/s, while Wad 2 has a mass of 5.90 kg and moves north at 16.0 m/s. The conservation of momentum equation is applied, but the user encounters issues obtaining the correct final velocity. A key point raised is the need to ensure that the velocities are correctly represented in terms of direction, as the signs must reflect their opposite movements. Correctly applying these principles will yield the final velocity of the combined mass post-collision.
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1. Two wads of putty are propelled horizontally directly toward each other. Wad 1 has a mass of 5.00 kg and is traveling at 21.0 m/s south. Wad 2, which is 5.90 kg, is moving at 16.0 m/s north. They collide and stick together. What is the velocity of the joint mass of putty?



2. M1 V1i + M2 V2i = (M1 + M2)Vf



3. I used M1 = 5kg, V1 = 21m/s, M2 = 5.90kg, and V2 = 16m/s. I used the equation to solve for Vf, but I must be doing something wrong because I am not getting the correct answer. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
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Note that the two wads are traveling in opposite directions before colliding.

+21 m/s and +16 m/s indicate two objects traveling in the same direction. So at least one of those velocities is wrong.
 

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