Verified Solution Science How Forces Affect Motion

Two cars, A and B, collide. Car A has a mass of 1000 kg and is moving at 10 m/s. Car B has a mass of 1500 kg and is moving at 7.5 m/s in the opposite direction. After a head-on collision, they stick together. What is their common velocity?

5 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A1 m/s in the direction of Car A
  • B0.5 m/s in the direction of Car B
  • C2 m/s in the direction of Car A
  • D1.5 m/s in the direction of Car B
Explanation

Using Conservation of Momentum: m_A*v_A + m_B*v_B = (m_A + m_B)*V_final. Let Car A's direction be positive. (1000 kg * 10 m/s) + (1500 kg * -7.5 m/s) = (1000 kg + 1500 kg) * V_final. 10000 - 11250 = 2500 * V_final. -1250 = 2500 * V_final. So, V_final = -1250 / 2500 = -0.5 m/s. The negative sign indicates the direction of Car B.

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