Answer: common velocity V = 4 m/s
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that a 100 kg train traveling at 20 m/s crashes into a stationary 400 kg car.
Since both of them were stuck together after collision, the collision is inelastic.
The formula for inelastic collisions is:
M1U1 + M2U2 = ( M1 + M2 )V
We are told that the second car is stationary.
Therefore, U2 = 0
This will reduce the equation to:
M1U1 = (M1 + M2)V
Where V = common final velocity
M1 = 100 kg
M2 = 400 kg
U1 = 20 m/s
U2 = 0
Substitute all the parameters into the equation
100 × 20 = ( 100 + 400 ) V
2000 = 500V
Make the V the subject of formula
V = 2000/500
V = 4 m/s