Two objects, each of mass 1.5 kg are moving in the same straight line but in opposite directions. The velocity of each object is 2.5 m s−1 before the collision during which they stick together. What will be the velocity of the combined object after collision?
Two objects, each of mass 1.5 kg are moving in the same straight line but in opposite directions. The velocity of each object is 2.5 m s−1 before the collision during which they stick together. What will be the velocity of the combined object after collision?
Mass of one of the objects, m1 = 1.5 kg
Mass of the other object, m2 = 1.5 kg
Velocity of m1 before collision, v1 = 2.5 m/s
Velocity of m2, moving in opposite direction before collision, v2 = −2.5 m/s
(Negative sign arises because mass m2 is moving in an opposite direction)
After collision, the two objects stick together.
Total mass of the combined object = m1 + m2
Velocity of the combined object = v
According to the law of conservation of momentum:
Total momentum before collision = Total momentum after collision
m1v1 + m2 v2 = (m1 + m2) v
1.5(2.5) + 1.5 (−2.5) = (1.5 + 1.5) v
3.75 − 3.75 = 3 v
v = 0
Hence, the velocity of the combined object after collision is 0 m/s.
Mass of one of the objects, m1 = 1.5 kg
Mass of the other object, m2 = 1.5 kg
Velocity of m1 before collision, v1 = 2.5 m/s
Velocity of m2, moving in opposite direction before collision, v2 = −2.5 m/s
(Negative sign arises because mass m2 is moving in an opposite direction)
After collision, the two objects stick together.
Total mass of the combined object = m1 + m2
Velocity of the combined object = v
According to the law of conservation of momentum:
Total momentum before collision = Total momentum after collision
m1v1 + m2 v2 = (m1 + m2) v
1.5(2.5) + 1.5 (−2.5) = (1.5 + 1.5) v
3.75 − 3.75 = 3 v
v = 0
Hence, the velocity of the combined object after collision is 0 m/s.
