Question

Engineers are using computer models to study train collisions to design safer train cars. They start by modeling an elastic collision between two train cars traveling towards each other. Car 1 is traveling north at 20 m/s and has a mass of 12,745 kg. Car 2 is traveling south at 15 m/s and has a mass of 4,125 kg. After the collision, car 1 has a final velocity of 3 m/s north. What is the final velocity of car 2?

Answer 1

The final velocity of car 2 is 67.5248. The momentum is conserved in the given problem,

What is the law of conservation of momentum?

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the momentum of the body before the collision is always equal to the momentum of the body after the collision.

The given data in the problem is;

(m₁) is the mass of 1st car=  12,745 kg.

(u₁) is the initial velocity of 1st car= 20 m/s

(m₂) is the mass of 2nd car = 4125 kg

(u₂) is the initial velocity of 2nd car = 15 m/s

(v₁) is the velocity after the collision of 1st car = 3 m/s

The final velocity of car 2,v₂=?

According to the law of conservation of momentum;

Momentum before collision =Momentum after collision

$\rm m_1u_1 + m_2u_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2 \\\\ 12745 \times 20 +4125 \times 15 = 12745 \times 3 + 4125 \times v_2 \\\\ v_2 = 67.52 \ m/sec$

Hence, the final velocity of car 2 is 67.5248.

To learn more about the law of conservation of momentum refer;

https://brainly.com/question/1113396

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