Inelastic collision and velocity of car

In summary, for a completely inelastic collision between a 2000 kg car traveling west at 75 km/h and a 1000 kg motorcycle traveling south at 108 km/h, the velocity of the combined vehicles after the collision can be calculated by conserving momentum in both the north/south and east/west directions. By setting the momentum before equal to the momentum after for each direction and substituting in the given values, the velocity after the collision can be determined.
  • #1
eshock202
3
0

Homework Statement



2000 kg car traveling west at 75 km/h and a motorcycle traveling south at 108 km/h weighing 1000kg. assuming the collision is completely inelastic, what is the velocity of the vehicles after the collision.

Homework Equations



I know that the Pi, system = Pf, system.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am just confused of where to start. Any pointers into the correct direction would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
"Completely inelastic" means they stick together.
Momentum is conserved in both the north/south direction and the east/west direction. You must write
momentum before = momentum after
for both directions, put in an mv for each moving object before and after.
Put in the known numbers and you will be able to work out the velocity after the collision in each direction.
 

FAQ: Inelastic collision and velocity of car

What is an inelastic collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision where two objects collide and stick together after the collision. In this type of collision, kinetic energy is not conserved and some energy is lost in the form of heat or sound.

How is the velocity of a car affected in an inelastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, the velocity of the car is reduced due to the loss of kinetic energy during the collision. This can be caused by factors such as friction or deformation of the car's structure.

What is the difference between an inelastic collision and an elastic collision?

In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together after the collision and some energy is lost. In an elastic collision, the objects bounce off each other and there is no loss of kinetic energy.

How does the mass of the car affect the outcome of an inelastic collision?

The mass of the car does not affect the outcome of an inelastic collision. In both elastic and inelastic collisions, the total momentum of the system is conserved, so the mass of the car does not play a role in the outcome.

Can the velocity of a car increase in an inelastic collision?

No, the velocity of a car cannot increase in an inelastic collision. In this type of collision, kinetic energy is lost, so the velocity of the car will always decrease.

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