Which Vehicle Experiences the Larger Change in Momentum in a Collision?

[jack1234]

[SOLVED] About change in momentum

For the following question the answer is c...but may I know what is the reason?

A car and a large truck traveling at the same speed make a head-on collision and stick together. Which vehicle experiences the larger change in the magnitude of momentum?
(a) the car
(b) the truck
(c) the change in the magnitude of momentum is the same for both
(d） impossible to determine

 

[Kurdt]

In an inelastic collision you'll have an equation of the form $m_1v_1+m_2v_2=(m_1+m_2)v_3$. If you rearrange it a bit you will see:

$$m_1v_1-m_1v_3=m_2v_3-m_2v_2$$

Therefore the magnitudes of the change in momentum are equal.

 

[jack1234]

I see, thanks for the explanation:)

 

[Bill Foster]

Start with conservation of momentum.