What is the outcome of a collision between two cars at constant speed?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a collision scenario involving two cars traveling towards each other at constant speeds. The original poster describes the parameters of the cars, including their masses and speeds, and expresses confusion regarding the implications of constant speed on momentum and impulse.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply impulse and momentum equations but struggles with the concept of constant speed implying zero acceleration and force. Some participants suggest using the conservation of momentum principle instead, questioning the assumptions about the collision type.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different principles related to the collision. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conservation of momentum, and there is an indication of a potential discovery made by the original poster that seeks verification.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a specific application for their inquiry, as they are designing a game that requires realistic motion, which adds a layer of complexity to their question.

YinHoNg
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I feel so silly for not being able to work this out...

The situation is this - two cars going towards each other. Both cars' mass = 1Kg. The speed of car 1, say, is 5m/s. The speed of car 2, say, is 3 m/s. THE IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE IS THAT BOTH CARS ARE TRAVELLING AT CONSTANT SPEED!

What I'm trying to work out is what their speed is afterwards!

I've looked into the impulse = change in momentum equations but the bit that's confusing me is if the cars are traveling at constant speed, then acceleration =0; thus force is 0... thus impulse = 0? which is obviously wrong but i can't prove it... :(
Using the impulse method, i assume a contact time of 1 s, for simplicity.

N.B I'm trying to design a game with realistic motion but i can't do it... its killing me! Any help will be duly appreciated.
thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
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Hm... is it something I've not done?
 
You needn't pull your hair out by using Newton's equations. Instead, apply the conservation of momentum principle. You will also need to assume that they either stick together after the collision or that kinetic energy is conserved to solve.
 
Yes. Looks like you're seeing the beauty of physics already =D
 

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