Question

2 eagles hit each other at a 90 degree angle they grab each other, what is their velocity and direction?

Answer 1

This is an example of completely inelastic collision, since they grab each other and move as a single object after the collision.

The conservation of momentum requires

`\vec{P_1} + \vec{P_2} = \vec{P}_(final)`

where

`\vec{P_1} = m_1v_1 \^x\\\vec{P_2} = m_2v_2 \^y`

Their final momentum is

`\vec{P}_(final) = m_1v_1 \^x + m_2 v_2 \^y`

Their final velocity and direction is

`\vec{v}_(final) = (m_1v_1)/(m_1 + m_2)\^x + (m_2v_2)/(m_1 + m_2)\^y`

Although not states in the question, let's consider the case that the masses and speeds of the eagles are the same:

`\vec{v}_(final) =  (v)/(2)\^x + (v)/(2)\^y`