Final answer:
The final velocity of the combined cars to be 15 m/s. To find the final velocity of the combined cars after collision, we can apply the principle of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to find the final velocity of the combined cars after collision, we can apply the principle of conservation of momentum. The total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, which can be expressed as:
(mass of car 1 * velocity of car 1) + (mass of car 2 * velocity of car 2) = (combined mass of cars * final velocity)
Substituting the given values, we have:
(3000 kg * 7 m/s) + (8000 kg * 0 m/s) = (3000 kg + 8000 kg) * final velocity
Simplifying the equation, we get:
21000 kg * 7 m/s = 11000 kg * final velocity
Dividing both sides by 11000 kg, we find the final velocity of the combined cars to be 15 m/s.