Question

In a closed system, Glider A with a mass of 0.40 kg and a speed of 2.00 m/s collides with Glider B at rest with a mass of 1.20 kg. The two interlock and move off. What speed are they moving?

So where do i start

Answer 1

i think its 0.5

Answer 2

MaVa + MbVb = MaV'a + MbV'b

Ma = 0.40kg
Mb = 1.20kg

Va = 2.00m/s
Vb = 0m/s (it is initially at rest)

They interlock and move together at after the collision. So V'a = V'b
We can just let V'a = V'b = V to simplify things further.

So now you need to put your values into the conservation of momentum equation:
MaVa + MbVb = MaV'a + MbV'b

Answer 3

MaVa + MbVb = MaV'a + MbV'b

well we know Vb=0m/s so we can cancel that part out:

MaVa = MaV'a + MbV'b

and we know V'a = V'b so lets just call them V' to simplify the equation:

MaVa = MaV' + MbV'

MaVa = V' (Ma+Mb)

and we want to solve for V' (the final velocity)

V' = (MaVa)/(Ma+Mb)

I get 0.5 m/s as well!

Answer 4

Sweet i did it right ty ty