Calculating Velocity & Compass Heading After Car-Truck Collision

In summary, a 1940 kg Oldsmobile and a 4166 kg truck collide at an intersection, with the Oldsmobile traveling west at 17.4 m/s and the truck hauling animal feed south at 9.5 m/s. They remain locked together after the impact. To calculate the velocity of the wreckage immediately after the impact, a vector diagram of the momentums can be used to determine the combined momentum and direction. This can then be used to solve for the speed using the momentum equation and the angle can be found using trigonometry.
  • #1
eutopia
28
0
A 1940 kg Oldsmobile traveling west on Saginaw Street at 17.4 m/s is unable to stop on the ice covered intersection for a red light at Abbott Road. The car collides with a 4166 kg truck hauling animal feed south on Abbott at 9.5 m/s. The two vehicles remain locked together after the impact. Calculate the velocity of the wreckage immediately after the impact. Give the speed for your first answer and the compass heading for your second answer.
 
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  • #2
Draw a picture of what is happening. Using a vector diagram of the momentums, you can see what the combined momentum would be and in what direction (adding vectors). Once you know that, you can solve for the speed by momentum equation. As for the angle, use those trig inverses.

Jameson
 
  • #3
wow thanks! i don't know why i didnt get it before, even though people explained it to me the same way :-p
 

Related to Calculating Velocity & Compass Heading After Car-Truck Collision

1. What is Newton Mechanics?

Newton Mechanics, also known as Newtonian Mechanics, is a branch of physics that studies the motion of objects and the forces that act upon them. It is based on the three laws of motion proposed by Sir Isaac Newton.

2. What are the three laws of motion in Newton Mechanics?

The first law states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object in motion will remain in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. The second law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting upon it and inversely proportional to its mass. The third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

3. How is Newton Mechanics applied in real-life situations?

Newton Mechanics is applied in various fields such as engineering, astronomy, and sports. It is used to design structures and machines, predict the motion of celestial bodies, and improve athletic performance by understanding the forces acting on the body.

4. What is the role of calculus in Newton Mechanics?

Calculus is used in Newton Mechanics to mathematically describe the relationship between an object's position, velocity, and acceleration. It is also used to calculate the forces acting on an object and to solve complex problems involving motion and forces.

5. What are some common misconceptions about Newton Mechanics?

One common misconception is that Newton's laws of motion only apply to objects on Earth and not in space. However, these laws apply to all objects, regardless of their location. Another misconception is that an object in motion must have a constant speed, but it can also have a constant velocity if the direction of motion changes. Additionally, Newton Mechanics does not explain all types of motion, such as quantum mechanics and relativity.

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