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 is Kirchoff's first law?


What is the threshold frequency of a photon to excite and then emit photoelectrons from a material?


Using Newton's law of gravitation, derive a suitable formula for the escape velocity of an object at Earth's surface.


Explain the difference between forced vibration and resonance in an oscillating object.