Question

1. A 9000 kg van was stopped at a traffic light when it rear-ended with an 850 compact car moving to the east at a velocity of 5 m/sec. What would be the velocity of the entangled cars after collision?

Answer 1

Answer:

1.785 m/s

Explanation:

The momentum can be calculated using the expression below

M1 *V1 + M2 * V2 = (M1+M2) V3

M1= mass of van=9000 kg

M2= mass of car= 850kg

V3= velocity of entangled car

V1= Velocity of the van= 0

V2= velocity of the car= 5 m/ s

Substitute the values

(900×0) + (500×5)=( 900+500)× V3

2500=1400 V3

V3=2500/1400

V3= 1.785 m/s

Hence, velocity of the entangled cars after collision is 1.785 m/s