What is the angle of the car-truck combination after an inelastic collision?

In summary, the problem involves a blue car with a mass of 499 kg moving east at 21 m/s colliding with a purple truck with a mass of 1283 kg moving south at 11 m/s. After the collision, the two vehicles lock together and the angle that they travel can be determined by using the equations for conservation of momentum along the x and y-axis. The final answer can be found by taking the arctangent of the x and y values.
  • #1
mrshappy0
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Homework Statement



A blue car with mass mc = 499 kg is moving east with a speed of vc = 21 m/s and collides with a purple truck with mass mt = 1283 kg that is moving south with a speed of vt = 11 m/s . The two collide and lock together after the collision.

What is the angle that the car-truck combination travel after the collision? (give your answer as an angle South of East)


Homework Equations




(1/2)mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I am not really sure how to set this problem up. I understand that they will stick together and that the momentum will be conserved. I also understand that this problem will require breaking it down into move along the x and y-axis but how do start.
 
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  • #2
along x:
mass of truck (velocity) +mass of car(velocity)=(mass of truck and car)(vx)
. solve..

along y:
mass of truck (velocity) +mass of car(velocity)=(mass of truck and car)(vy)

ArcTan[x/y]=...

Love answering my own questions.
 

Related to What is the angle of the car-truck combination after an inelastic collision?

1. What is an inelastic collision of a car?

An inelastic collision of a car occurs when two or more cars collide and remain stuck together after the collision. This type of collision is also known as a "perfectly plastic collision" because the cars do not bounce off each other.

2. How is an inelastic collision different from an elastic collision?

In an elastic collision, the objects involved bounce off each other after the collision, while in an inelastic collision, the objects stick together. Additionally, in an elastic collision, kinetic energy is conserved, while in an inelastic collision, some kinetic energy is lost as heat and sound.

3. What factors affect the outcome of an inelastic collision between cars?

The mass and velocity of the cars involved are the main factors that affect the outcome of an inelastic collision. The heavier and faster the cars are, the more force is generated during the collision, leading to a more significant impact and greater damage.

4. Can an inelastic collision between cars be avoided?

In most cases, an inelastic collision between cars cannot be avoided. However, drivers can take precautions such as maintaining a safe distance, driving at a safe speed, and following traffic rules and signals to reduce the chances of a collision.

5. What are some safety measures to take in case of an inelastic collision between cars?

If you are involved in an inelastic collision, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a safe location and calling for help. It is also important to exchange information with the other driver and take pictures of the scene for insurance purposes. Seek medical attention if necessary, and report the collision to the police.

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