Question

Cart 1 of mass 3.0 kg moving to the right at 2 m/s and collides with a Cart 2 of mass 2.0 kg moving to the left at

4 m/s. The two carts stick together. What is the velocity of the carts after the collision?

Answer 1

V = -0.4 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Mass of cart 1, m₁ = 3 kg

Speed of cart 1, v₁ = 2 m/s

Mass of cart 2, m₂ = 2 kg

Speed of cart 2, v₂ = -4 m/s (left)

aWe need to find the velocity of the carts after the collision if they stick together. Let the common speed be V. Using the law of conservation of momentum to find it such that,

`m_1v_1+m_2v_2=(m_1+m_2)V\\\\V=(m_1v_1+m_2v_2)/((m_1+m_2))`

Put all the values,

`V=(3* 2+2* (-4))/((3+2))\\\\=-0.4\ m/s`

So, the velocity of the carts after the collision is equal to 0.4 m/s to the left.