Question

Car A (2000kg) is moving South with a velocity of 6m/s when it collides inelastically with stationary (not moving) car B (4000kg). The two cars stick together and continue to move South. What is the velocity of the cars after the collision?

Answer 1

The velocity of the cars after the collision is 2 m/s in the south direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mass of car A is 2000 kg and it is moving south with a velocity of 6 m/s. Car B is stationary and has a mass of 4000 kg. When the two cars collide inelastically, they stick together and continue to move south. In an inelastic collision, the total momentum of the system is conserved:

Total momentum before = Total momentum after

(2000 kg * 6 m/s) + (4000 kg * 0 m/s) = (2000 kg + 4000 kg) * V

Where V is the velocity of the combined cars after the collision. Solving for V, we get:

V = (2000 kg * 6 m/s) / 6000 kg = 2 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of the cars after the collision is 2 m/s, still in the south direction.