Answer:
the final speed of the smaller car is 5.624 m/s
Explanation:
Given;
mass of the small car, m₁ = 200 kg
initial velocity of the small car, u₁ = 3 m/s
mass of the larger car, m₂ = 392 kg
initial velocity of the larger car, u₂ = 6 m/s
final velocity of the larger car, v₂ = 1.6 m/s
let the direction of the larger car be positive
let the direction of the smaller car be negative
Apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum to determine the final speed of the smaller car.
m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂
200(-3) + 392(6) = 200v₁ + 392 x 1.6
-600 + 2352 = 200v₁ + 627.2
1752 = 200v₁ + 627.2
1752 - 627.2 = 200v₁
1124.8 = 200v₁
v₁ = 1124.8/200
v₁ = 5.624 m/s
Therefore, the final speed of the smaller car is 5.624 m/s
