Two carts with masses of 4.56 kg and 2.32 kg move toward each other on a frictionless track with speeds of 4.93 m/s and 3.19 m/s respectively. The carts stick together after colliding head-on. Find the final speed.
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Total momentum must be conserved. Taking the first direction as positive
p= m1v1 + m2v2
p= 4.56*4.93 + 2.32*(-3.19)
p= 22.4808-7.4008
p=15.08
Now they're stuck together, the total mass is m1+m 2 and momentum is conserved. So:
p=v(m1+m2)
15.08=v(4.56+2.32)
V=15.08/6.22 = 2.1918…m/s. Values are quoted to 3SF in question so the answer to 3 SF is 2.19m/s. Hope this helps!
p= m1v1 + m2v2
p= 4.56*4.93 + 2.32*(-3.19)
p= 22.4808-7.4008
p=15.08
Now they're stuck together, the total mass is m1+m 2 and momentum is conserved. So:
p=v(m1+m2)
15.08=v(4.56+2.32)
V=15.08/6.22 = 2.1918…m/s. Values are quoted to 3SF in question so the answer to 3 SF is 2.19m/s. Hope this helps!