Inelastic Collision of 2 Carts - Displacement

In summary, a 15.0 kg toy cart traveling at 5.5 m/s to the right collides with a 10.0 kg cart traveling at 4.0 m/s to the left. The objects stick together and the coefficient of friction between the wheels and the floor is 0.40. Using the equations of motion, it can be determined that the final velocity of the combined carts is 1.7 m/s and the total distance they will slide from the collision is 0.37 m.
  • #1
testme
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Homework Statement


A 15.0 kg toy cart is traveling at 5.5 m/s to the right when it collides head on with a 10.0 kg cart traveling at 4.0 m/s to the left. The objects collide and stick togethere. The coefficient of friction between the wheels of the cart and the floor is 0.40. How far will the carts slide from the location of the collision?

ma = 15 kg
va = 5.5 m/s
mb = 10 kg
vb = 4.0 m/s
μ = 0.4

Homework Equations


Assuming right is positive.

mava + mbvb = ma+b * va+b
Fnet = ma
v2^2 = v1^2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution


mava + mbvb = ma+b * va+b
15(5.5) + 10(-4) = 25 * va+b
42.5 = 25 * va+b
va+b = 1.7 m/s

Fnet = ma
Ff = ma
Fnμ = ma
- Since there is no vertical acceleration Fn = Fg
9.8(0.4) = a
a = -3.92 m/s

this is where I get stuck

Edit: I tried doing this but I'm not sure if I'm right.

v2^2 = v1^2 + 2ad
0 = (1.7)^2 + 2(-3.92)d
-2.89 = -7.84d
d = 0.37 m
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Yup. That works :smile:
 

Related to Inelastic Collision of 2 Carts - Displacement

1. What is an inelastic collision?

An inelastic collision is a type of collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved. This means that some of the initial kinetic energy of the system is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or sound, during the collision.

2. How is the displacement of two carts in an inelastic collision calculated?

The displacement of two carts in an inelastic collision can be calculated by using the conservation of momentum equation, where the initial momentum of the system is equal to the final momentum. This can be represented as m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2)v, where m1 and m2 are the masses of the two carts, and v1 and v2 are their initial velocities.

3. What factors affect the displacement in an inelastic collision?

The displacement in an inelastic collision is affected by the masses and velocities of the two objects involved. A larger mass or higher velocity will result in a greater displacement after the collision.

4. How does the coefficient of restitution affect the displacement in an inelastic collision?

The coefficient of restitution, which is a measure of the elasticity of a collision, does not directly affect the displacement in an inelastic collision. However, it can affect the final velocities of the two carts, which in turn can impact the displacement.

5. Can the displacement in an inelastic collision be negative?

Yes, the displacement in an inelastic collision can be negative if the two carts are moving in opposite directions before the collision. This means that after the collision, the two carts will be moving towards each other, resulting in a negative displacement.

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