Two carts with masses of 17.5 kg and 1.5 kg, respectively, move in opposite directions on a frictionless horizontal track with speeds of 8.0 m/s and 4.0 m/s, respectively. The carts stick together after colliding head-on. Find the final speed of the two carts.

Answer: V = 6.97m/s

Explanation:

Using equation of collision;

m1u1 + m2u2 = v (m1 + m2)

V = m1u1 + m2u2/m1 + m2

Since the other object is moving in an opposite direction it momentum becomes negative

So we have

V=m1u1 + (-m2u2) / m1 + m2

Impute the data

V = 17.3*8 + (-1.5*4) / 17.5+1.5

V = 138.4 - 6/19

V = 132.4/19

V = 6.97m/s.