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) is calculated as:
* p = mass (m) * velocity (v)
Solving the Problem
1. Initial Momentum:
* Car 1: p1 = (1000 kg) * (0 m/s) = 0 kg*m/s
* Car 2: p2 = (1000 kg) * (10 m/s) = 10000 kg*m/s
* Total initial momentum: 0 + 10000 = 10000 kg*m/s
2. Final Momentum:
* The two cars stick together, forming a combined mass of 2000 kg.
* Let their final velocity be 'v'.
* Total final momentum: (2000 kg) * (v)
3. Conservation of Momentum:
* Initial momentum = Final momentum
* 10000 kg*m/s = (2000 kg) * (v)
4. Solving for Velocity (v):
* v = 10000 kg*m/s / 2000 kg = 5 m/s
Answer: The speed of the two cars moving together after the collision is 5 m/s.
