Answer:
The velocity of the two cars is 10 m/s after the collision.
Explanation:
Law Of Conservation Of Linear Momentum
The total momentum of a system of bodies is conserved unless an external force is applied to it. The formula for the momentum of a body with mass m and velocity v is
P=m.v
If we have a system of bodies, then the total momentum is the sum of them all
[tex]P=m_1v_1+m_2v_2+...+m_nv_n[/tex]
If some collision occurs, the velocities change to v' and the final momentum is:
[tex]P'=m_1v'_1+m_2v'_2+...+m_nv'_n[/tex]
In a system of two masses, the law of conservation of linear momentum takes the form:
[tex]m_1v_1+m_2v_2=m_1v'_1+m_2v'_2[/tex]
If both masses stick together after the collision at a common speed v', then:
[tex]m_1v_1+m_2v_2=(m_1+m_2)v'[/tex]
The car of mass m1=1000 Kg travels at v1=25 m/s and collides with another car of m2=1500 Kg which is at rest (v2=0).
Knowing both cars stick and move together after the collision, their velocity is found solving for v':
[tex]\displaystyle v'=\frac{m_1v_1+m_2v_2}{m_1+m_2}[/tex]
[tex]\displaystyle v'=\frac{1000*25+1500*0}{1000+1500}[/tex]
[tex]\displaystyle v'=\frac{25000}{2500}[/tex]
v' = 10 m/s
The velocity of the two cars is 10 m/s after the collision.
