if velocity had been the same, then the angle N of E would be arctanTheta=3/2
which is 56 degrees. It was at 45 degrees, which means the Eastbound was the higher velociyt.
A northbound 3000 kg truck collides with an eastbound 2000 kg car. The two vehicles slide together as a single mangled object after the collision, and the direction of the slide is exactly northeast (45 degree angle between north and east). Which vehicle was going faster before the collision? How can you tell?
2 answers
The lighter one had to be going faster.
To be at 45 degrees, momentum north = momentum east
2000 v = 3000 (2v/3)
To be at 45 degrees, momentum north = momentum east
2000 v = 3000 (2v/3)
0 answers