Collision Conservation of momentum

[myoplex11]

Homework Statement

If two objects one traveling right and the other traveling left collide. The collision is inelastic.
What would the sign of the instantaneous velocity of each object?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the instaneous velocity would be zero for both the objects at the point of collision but iam not sure.

 

[ruggler]

It depends on the velocity of the objects and their masses. If both m's and v's are equal, then it would stop.

You may be talking about the act of them combining, where you would have to look at the impulses of them both. Impulse=Ft=change in momentum. From there, you can find force, acceleration, etc. and find the speeds at certain points in the collision, I believe.

 

[thomate1]

Your thinking is correct. In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together and move as one mass after the collision. Therefore, the instantaneous velocity of both objects at the point of collision would be zero. This is because the momentum of the system (the two objects together) is conserved, but the individual velocities of the objects are not.