Question

Two carts with masses of 14.7 kg and 3.2 kg
move in opposite directions on a frictionless
horizontal track with speeds of 6.7 m/s and
3.1 m/s, respectively. The carts stick together
after colliding head-on.
Find their final speed.

Answer 1

Answer:

Speed, V = 4.95m/s

Explanation:

Given the following data;

Mass, M1 = 14.7kg

Mass, M2 = 3.2kg

Velocity, V1 = 6.7m/s

Velocity, V2 = 3.1m/s

To find the final speed;

Mathematically, inelastic collision is given by the formula;

$V = \frac{(M_{1}V_{1}+M_{2}V_{2})}{(M_{1}+M_{2})}$

Where;

V is the final velocity in m/s.

M1 is the mass of the first object in kgs.

M2 is the mass of the second object in kgs.

V1 is the initial velocity of the first object in m/s.

V2 is the initial velocity of the second object in m/s.

Substituting into the equation, we have;

$V = \frac{(14.7*6.7) - (3.2*3.1)}{14.7 + 3.2}$

$V = \frac{98.49 - 9.92}{17.9}$

$V = \frac{88.57}{17.9}$

Speed, V = 4.95m/s