Problem 8-75 Inelastic collision - Part 5 - C
Two trucks have a completely inelastic collision. After the collision, they have a common velocity of \(11 \;m/s\) at \(35^\circ\) south of west. Before the collision, one truck \((\text{mass} \; 2.3\times10^4\; kg)\) has a velocity of \(15\; m/s\) at \(51^\circ\) south of west. Determine the initial velocity (magnitude and direction) of the other truck \((\text{mass} \; 1.2\times10^4\; kg).\)
Accumulated Solution
\(v_{1x} = (-15) \cos 51 \\ v_{2x} = v_2 \cos \theta \\ v_x{'} = (-11) \cos 35\)
No. That would be conservation of kinetic energy which is not true for inelastic collisions.