Collision at an Angle
Two cars, both of mass m, collide and stick together. Prior to the collision, one car had been traveling north at speed 2v, while the second was traveling at speed v at an angle omega south of east. After the collision, the two-car system travels at speed v_final at an angle theta east of north. What is the angle theta with respect to north made by the velocity vector of the two cars after the collision? Express your answer in terms of variables given in the problem introduction. Your answer should contain an inverse trigonometric function.
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Solution Preview
momentums before collision:
north component: m(2v)
south component: mv(cos)(w) (we can change this into north component by placing
negative sign in front.)
east ...
Solution Summary
Solution includes calculations for momentum before and after the collision and uses trigonometry to calculate vector magnitudes and direction.