Question

An 800 kg fishing boat going south at 12 m/s runs into a stopped pontoon boat (1400 kg). The boats stick together and move south. What is the velocity of the boats after the collision?

Answer 1

the velocity of the boats after the collision is 4.36 m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

mass of fish, m₁ = 800 kg

mass of boat, m₂ = 1400 kg

initial velocity of the fish, u₁ = 12 m/s

initial velocity of the boat, u₂ = 0

let the final velocity of the fish-boat after collision = v

Apply the principle of conservation of linear momentum for inelastic collision;

m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = v(m₁ + m₂)

800 x 12 + 1400 x 0 = v(800 + 1400)

9600 = 2200v

v = 9600/2200

v = 4.36 m/s

Therefore, the velocity of the boats after the collision is 4.36 m/s.