Hey, I need help to study for finals: I know one of the questions (our teacher gave us) is: there is a 4kg mass traveling at 4 m/s to the right on a frictionless surface that collides with a block of 5kg. The 5kg block is moving at 2 m/s. They stick to each other after the collision. What is the velocity after the collision? Can you help me?
Thanks!
which direction is the 5kg block moving?
system momentum is conserved
@R_scott left
Of course, I'd be happy to help you! To determine the velocity of the combined masses after the collision, we can use the law of conservation of momentum. According to this law, the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
To solve this problem, we need to calculate the initial momentum before the collision and the final momentum after the collision.
The initial momentum is given by:
Initial momentum = (mass1 * velocity1) + (mass2 * velocity2)
mass1 = 4 kg (mass of the first mass)
velocity1 = 4 m/s (velocity of the first mass)
mass2 = 5 kg (mass of the second mass)
velocity2 = 2 m/s (velocity of the second mass)
Initial momentum = (4 kg * 4 m/s) + (5 kg * 2 m/s)
Once you have calculated the initial momentum, you can use this value to determine the final momentum. Since the masses stick together after the collision, the final momentum is given by:
Final momentum = (mass1 + mass2) * final velocity
mass1 + mass2 = 4 kg + 5 kg
Now, set the initial momentum equal to the final momentum:
Initial momentum = Final momentum
Substitute the calculated values into this equation and solve for the final velocity.
Once you've determined the final velocity, you will have the answer to your question.
Good luck with your finals! Let me know if you need further assistance.