Answer:
<em>The velocity of the carts after the event is 1 m/s</em>
Explanation:
<u>Law Of Conservation Of Linear Momentum </u>
The total momentum of a system of bodies is conserved unless an external force is applied to it. The formula for the momentum of a body with mass m and speed v is
P=mv.
If we have a system of bodies, then the total momentum is the sum of the individual momentums:
If a collision occurs and the velocities change to v', the final momentum is:
Since the total momentum is conserved, then:
P = P'
In a system of two masses, the equation simplifies to:
If both masses stick together after the collision at a common speed v', then:
The common velocity after this situation is:
The m1=2 kg cart is moving to the right at v1=5 m/s. It collides with an m2= 8 kg cart at rest (v2=0). Knowing they stick together after the collision, the common speed is:
The velocity of the carts after the event is 1 m/s