Answer:
50 m/s opposite direction to the motion of the truck
Explanation:
From the question,
Applying the law of conservation of momentum
mu+m'u' = V(m+m')...….. Equation 1
Where m = mass of the truck, u = initial velocity of the truck, m' = mass of the car, u' = initial velocity of the car, V = Final velocity after collision
Given: m = 2500 kg, u = 20 m/s, m' = 1000 kg, V = 0 m/s (both car stop after collision)
Substitute these values into equation 1
2500(20)+1000(u') = 0(2500+1000)
2500(20)+1000(u') = 0
Solve for u'
u' = -[2500(20)]/1000
u' = -50 m/s
The negative sign shows that the car travels in opposite direction to the truck
Hence the car initial velocity before collision is 50 m/s in opposite direction to the motion of the truck
