Question

In the scenario above, the 1-unit mass trolley and the 2-unit mass trolley are moving at a speed of 6 m/s in opposite direction for an head on collision. What is the minimum speed that the 1 unit-mass trolley will move after the collision?

Answer 1

1/3 m/s in the direction the 2 unit trolley was going assuming combined
momentum is conserved
the total momentum before the collision is 1Unit * 6m/s - 2Unit* 6 m/s = -1Unit m/s
assuming the masses stay combined (inelastic) after the collision the total mass is 3 units therefore the velocity for combined system is -1/3 m/s or 1/3 m/s in the direction of the original 2unit trolley

Answer 2

what does the picture "In the scenario above" because if this is a elastic head on collision then the answer is different because now energy can be conserved, partially conserved with them giving a coefficent, e.

Answer 3

careful... if its elastic KINETIC energy can be conserved...

Answer 4

The picture is a trolley.

Answer 5

so are the cars labelled and connected in the after picture or going separate directions?
if the are connected then my answer is correct
BUT if going different directions then conservation of energy is needed and my answer is not to the question being asked