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 ▸

How do you prove Kepler's Third Law?


How can an object be accelerating when it's velocity is constant, and how does centripetal acceleration work.


Find, using integration, the work done in compressing a spring by a distance x.


Derive an expression for the centripetal acceleration of a body in uniform circular motion.