Answer:
The total momentum of the cars before the collision is 61,000 kg.m/s
The total momentum of the cars after the collision is 61,000 kg.m/s
The velocity of the cars after the collision is 27.727 m/s
Explanation:
Given;
mass of the first car, m₁ = 1000 kg
initial velocity of the car, u₁ = 25 m/s
mass of the second car, m₂ = 1200 kg
initial velocity of the second car, u₂ = 30 m/s
The common velocity of the cars after collision = v
The total momentum of the cars before collision is calculated as;
P₁ = m₁u₁ + m₂u₂
P₁ = (1000 x 25) + (1200 x 30)
P₁ = 61,000 kg.m/s
The total momentum of the cars after collision is calculated as;
P₂ = m₁v + m₂v
where;
v is the common velocities of the cars after collision since they stick together.
P₂ = v(m₁ + m₂)
To determine "v" apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum for inelastic collision.
m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = v(m₁ + m₂)
(1000 x 25) + (1200 x 30) = v(1000 + 1200)
61,000 = 2,200v
v = 61,000/2,200
v = 27.727 m/s
The total momentum after collsion = v(m₁ + m₂)
= 27.727(1000 + 1200)
= 61,000 kg.m/s
Thus, momentum before and after collsion are equal.
