Which vehicle experiences the greater momentum change in a head-on collision?

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SUMMARY

In a head-on collision between a compact car and a large truck that stick together, both vehicles experience the same magnitude of momentum change. This conclusion is based on the principle of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum before and after the collision remains constant. Therefore, regardless of their individual masses, the momentum changes are equal and opposite for each vehicle involved in the collision.

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i need help for this question. i don't know if i got it right or wrong:

a compact car and a large truck collide head on and stick together. which undergoes the larger momentum change?

i thought the answer is "can't tell without knowing the final velocity of the combined masses." Am i correct?
 
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Originally posted by Xamfy19
i thought the answer is "can't tell without knowing the final velocity of the combined masses." Am i correct?
No. Total momentum is conserved during the collision. Think about what that means.
 
thanks Doc

That means both of them undergone same momentum change. If I am wrong, please let me know. Thanks again, Doc
 


Originally posted by Xamfy19
That means both of them undergone same momentum change. If I am wrong, please let me know.
Each undergoes the same magnitude of momentum change. (The changes are equal and opposite, of course.)
 

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