Question

Two equal mass carts approach each other with velocities equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. Friction can be neglected. If the carts collide completely inelastically, what will be the final velocity of the combined system?

Answer 1

Answer: their final velocity will be zero

Explanation:

Since they have equal masses m,

And their velocity is equal but in opposite direction u and -u, then,

mu + (-mu) = 2mv

0 = 2mv

Which implies that V = 0