Question

suppose we have two masses m1=2000 g and m2=4000g, where m1 is moving with initial velocity v1,i=24m/s and m2 is at rest at t=0s. they collide with each other at some time t=t1 after the collision they stick together and move as one. what is the final velocity, v1f, (magnitude and direction)

Answer 1

The final velocity is 8 m/s and its direction is along the positive x-axis

Step-by-step explanation:

Given :

Mass, m₁ = 2000 g = 2 kg

Mass, m₂ = 4000 g = 4 kg

Initial velocity of mass m₁, v₁ = 24i m/s

Initial velocity of mass m₂, v₂ = 0

According to the problem, after collision the two masses are stick together and moving with same velocity, that is,
`v_(1f)`.

Applying conservation of momentum,

Momentum before collision = Momentum after collision

`m_(1) v_(1) +m_(2) v_(2) =(m_(1)+m_(2)) v_(1f)`

Substitute the suitable values in the above equation.

`2*24 +4*0 =(2+4}) v_(1f)`

`v_(1f)=8i\ m/s`