Question

A 1000 kg car moving a 10 m/s collides with a stationary 2000 kg truck. The two vehicles interlock as a result of the collision. What is the final velocity of the two combined vehicles?

Answer 1

3.33m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Given parameters:

M1 = 1000kg

V 1 = 10m/s

M2 = 2000kg

V2 = 0m/s

Unknown:

Final velocity of the two combined vehicles = ?

Solution:

This is a typical example of an inelastic collision.

Here, it is pertinent that momentum must be conserved;

So;

M1 V1 + M2 V2 = V (M1 + M2)

1000 x 10 + 2000 x 0 = V (1000 + 2000)

10000 = 3000V

V = 3.33m/s