Two cars collide at an intersection. Car A, with a mass of 1900 kg, is going fro

Question

Two cars collide at an intersection. Car A, with a mass of 1900 kg, is going from west to east, while car B, of mass 1500 kg, is going from north to south at 17 m/s. As a result of this collision, the two cars become enmeshed and move as one afterwards. In your role as an expert witness, you inspect the scene and determine that, after the collision, the enmeshed cars moved at an angle of 65 degree south of east from the point of impact. How fast were the enmeshed cars moving just after the collision? Express your answer using two significant figures. How fast was car A going just before the collision? Express your answer using two significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

from moemtum conservation

mometum before collision = momentum after collision

mA*vAi + mB*vBi = (mA+mB)*vf

(1900*vAi) + (1500*-17 j) = (1900+1500)*(v*cos65i - v*sin65j)

comparing i

1900*vA = 3400*v*cos65

comparing j

-25500 = -3400*v*sin65

v = 8.27 m/s <<<<<-------answer

part B )

1900*vA = 3400*v*cos65

1900*vA = 3400*8.27*cos65

vA = 6.25 m/s <<<-------answer

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