Two trains are heading in opposite directions on the same track. Train X has a mass of 16000kg and a speed of 2.8m/s. Train Y has a mass of 12000kg and a speed of 3.1m/s. At what speed do the joined trains move off together immediately after the collison?
Remembering that if the velocities are in different directions they have different signs:Total momentum before=Total momentum afterMomentum=mass x velocityTotal momentum before= (16000x2.8)+(12000x(-3.1))=7600kgm/sCombined mass =28000kgVelocity after collision =7600/28000 =0.27m/s (2dp)
CJ
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸What's the difference between Potential Difference and Electromotive Force
Explain the photo-electric effect and how the particle theory of light explains the phenomena. State the equation used to the determine the kinetic energy of a photo-electron and explain the origin of the terms used in your equation.
Particle A (60kg) moves right at 50m/s. It collides with particle B (250kg) moving left at 10m/s. If after the collision particle A moves left at 20m/s, calculate the final velocity of particle B
This Question is a multi-parter but all around the same scenario. Similar to an end of paper A-level physics question.