Question

Two carts with masses of 14.7 kg and 3.2 kg

move in opposite directions on a frictionless
horizontal track with speeds of 6.7 m/s and
3.1 m/s, respectively. The carts stick together
after colliding head-on.
Find their final speed.

Answer 1

Speed, V = 4.95m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the following data;

Mass, M1 = 14.7kg

Mass, M2 = 3.2kg

Velocity, V1 = 6.7m/s

Velocity, V2 = 3.1m/s

To find the final speed;

Mathematically, inelastic collision is given by the formula;

`V = ((M_(1)V_(1)+M_(2)V_(2)))/((M_(1)+M_(2)))`

Where;

V is the final velocity in m/s.

M1 is the mass of the first object in kgs.

M2 is the mass of the second object in kgs.

V1 is the initial velocity of the first object in m/s.

V2 is the initial velocity of the second object in m/s.

Substituting into the equation, we have;

`V = ((14.7*6.7) - (3.2*3.1))/(14.7 + 3.2)`

`V = (98.49 - 9.92)/(17.9)`

`V = (88.57)/(17.9)`

Speed, V = 4.95m/s