a train car has a mass of 10,000 kg and is moving at +3.0 m/s. it strikes an identical train car that is at…

a train car has a mass of 10,000 kg and is moving at +3.0 m/s. it strikes an identical train car that is at rest. the train cars combine. what is the magnitude of the final velocity of the combined cars? 0 m/s 1.5 m/s 3.0 m/s 6.0 m/s

a train car has a mass of 10,000 kg and is moving at +3.0 m/s. it strikes an identical train car that is at rest. the train cars combine. what is the magnitude of the final velocity of the combined cars? 0 m/s 1.5 m/s 3.0 m/s 6.0 m/s

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Apply conservation of momentum

$m_1v_1 + m_2v_2=(m_1 + m_2)v_f$ Here, $m_1 = 10000$ kg, $v_1=3.0$ m/s, $m_2 = 10000$ kg, $v_2 = 0$ m/s.

Step2: Substitute values into formula

$(10000\times3.0)+(10000\times0)=(10000 + 10000)v_f$ $30000+0 = 20000v_f$

Step3: Solve for $v_f$

$v_f=\frac{30000}{20000}=1.5$ m/s

Answer:

1.5 m/s