A truck with mass 1200kg is moving at 8m/s when it collides head-on with a stationary car of mass 800kg. As they collide, the vehicles move together with the same velocity, v. Calculate this velocity.

Momentum is conserved. MU + mu = (M+m)v   (1200 x 8) + (800 x 0) = (1200 + 800)v 9600 = 2000v v = 9600/2000 = 4.8m/s

RH
Answered by Rachel H. Physics tutor

7691 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A motorist traveling at 10m/s, was able to bring his car to rest in a distance of 10m. If he had been traveling at 30m/s, in what distance could he bring his cart to rest using the same breaking force?


Do heavier objects fall on the ground quicker?


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


In an electric propulsion system, alpha particles are accelerated through a potential difference of 100kV at an average rate of 10^20 alpha particles per second. Calculate the average thrust the system can provide.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning