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
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