Question

A 0.050 kg air track glider moving at 5.2 m/s hits a stationary 0.150 kg air track glider. Velcro makes them stick together after impact. What is the common speed of the gliders?

Answer 1

1.3 m/sec

Step-by-step explanation:

Mass of the first glider that is
`m_1=0.050\ kg`

Velocity before hitting the second glider that is
`v_1` =
`5.2m/sec`

Mass of the second glider is that is
`m_2=0.150\ kg`

After hitting the combined mass
`=m_1+m_2=0.050+0.150=0.200\ kg`

We know that momentum is always conserved

So
`m_1v_1=(m_1+m_2)v_2`

`0.050* 5.2=0.2* v_2`

`v_2=1.3 m/sec`