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  • Momentum Conservation: Combining Two Colliding Train Cars - Physics Solution
    SOLUTION

    Momentum before: $$P_i=m_1v_1+m_2v_2$$

    $$=(10000\text{ kg})(3.0\text{ m/s})+(10000\text{ kg})(0)$$

    $$=30000\text{ kg$\cdot$m/s}$$

    Momentum after: $$P_f=(m_1+m_2)v_f$$

    where:

    $$v_f=\frac{P_f}{m_1+m_2}$$

    $$=\frac{30000\text{ kg$\cdot$m/s}}{(10000\text{ kg})+(10000\text{ kg})}$$

    $$=1.5\text{ m/s}$$

    Therefore, the combined cars have a speed of 1.5 m/s.

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