Answer: the resulting velocity of the two cars right after the collision is 9.41 m/s
Step-by-step explanation:
The formula for calculating momentum is expressed as
momentum = mass x velocity
According to the law of conservation of momentum, initial momentum = final momentum
The formula for initial momentum is
m1u1 + m2u2
where
m1 = mass of first car
u1 = initial velocity of first car
m2 = mass of second car
u2 = initial velocity of second car
From the information given,
m1 = 1101
u1 = 18.39
m2 = 1050
u2 = 0 because it is at rest
Initial momentum = 1101 x 18.39 + 1050 x 0 = 20247.39
Since the cars stick together after collision, they would have a common velocity, V. Thus,
final momentum = (m1 + m2)V
final momentum = (1101 + 1050)V = 2151 V
Thus,
20247.39 = 2151 V
V = 20247.39/2151
V = 9.41
the resulting velocity of the two cars right after the collision is 9.41 m/s