Question

Two equal mass carts approach each other with velocities equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. Friction can be neglected. If the carts collide completely inelastically, what will be the final velocity of the combined system?

To the left with half the initial velocity
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To the right with half the intial velocity

Answer 1

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Step-by-step explanation:

Since momentum is given by:

`\vec{p}=m.\vec{v}`

Therefore momentum is a vector quantity in the direction of velocity.

• Inelastic collision is the type of collision in which the masses combine after collision and start moving in the direction of the greater momentum but here in this case we have the momentum equal and opposite in direction.

This case can be described mathematically as:

`m_1.\vec{v_1}=m_2.\vec{v_2}`

since the mass and velocity are equal:

`m.\vec{v}=m.\vec{v}`

net momentum:

`p_(net)=0`