Two cars collide at an icy intersection and stick together afterward. The first car has a mass of 1200 kg and is approaching at 8.00 m/s due south. The second car has a mass of 850 kg and is approaching at 17.0 m/s due west.

Question

(a) Calculate the final velocity (magnitude and direction) of
the cars. (b) How much kinetic energy is lost in the collision?

Answer 1

a. momentum is conserved
Intial momentum=final momentum=
1200*8S+850*17W=(2050)V

V=4.68S+7,05W

magnitude=sqrt(4.68^2+7.05^2)

direction: arctan4.68/7.05 S of W

Answer 2

a. M1*V1 = 1200 * (-8i) = -9600i.
M2*V2 = 850 * (-17) = -14,450.

-14,450 - 9600i = 1200V+850V,
17,349[213.6o] = 2050V,
V = 8.46 m/s[213.6o] = 8.46 m/s[33.6o] S. of W.