Understanding Conservation of Momentum

In an isolated system (where no external forces act), the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

Momentum Formula

Momentum (p) = mass (m) * velocity (v)

Steps to Solve

1. Calculate the initial momentum:

* Car 1: p1 = m1 * v1 = 1000 kg * 0 m/s = 0 kg m/s

* Car 2: p2 = m2 * v2 = 1000 kg * 10 m/s = 10000 kg m/s

* Total initial momentum: p_initial = p1 + p2 = 10000 kg m/s

2. Calculate the final momentum:

* Let the final velocity of the two cars stuck together be 'v'.

* Total mass: m_total = m1 + m2 = 1000 kg + 1000 kg = 2000 kg

* Total final momentum: p_final = m_total * v

3. Apply conservation of momentum:

* p_initial = p_final

* 10000 kg m/s = 2000 kg * v

4. Solve for the final velocity (v):

* v = 10000 kg m/s / 2000 kg = 5 m/s

Answer: The two cars will move off together with a speed of 5 m/s.