Chapter Linear Momentum, Question Problem 10PP

For elastic and inelastic collision, the initial and final momentum are conserved.

    m1v1i+m2v2i=(m1+m2)vf        (I)

Here, m1,m2 are the masses of vehicles, vi1 is the initial velocity of vehicle of mass m1, vi2 is the initial velocity of vehicle of mass m2, and vf is the final velocity.

Since the two vehicles lock bumpers when they collide, the speed of the locked vehicle will be the speed at which the car would be pushed out onto the highway.

Solve the equation (I) for vf.

    vf=m1v1i+m2v2i(m1+m2)       �