Answer:
U = 14.61 m/s
Explanation:
Parameters given:
Mass of first car, m = 1600 kg
Initial velocity of first car, u = -11.0 m/s
(Taking the South as the negative y axis and the North as the positive y axis)
Mass of second car, M = 2700 kg
Initial velocity of second car, U is unknown
Final velocity of both cars, v = 5.08 m/s
To find the initial velocity of the first car, we apply the law of conservation of momentum:
Total initial momentum = Total final momentum
[tex]mu + MU = mv + Mv\\\\\\mu + MU = (m + M)v[/tex]
Inputting the values of m, M, u and v:
[tex](1600 * -11) + (2700 * U) = (1600 + 2700) * 5.08\\\\\\-17600 + 2700U = 21844\\\\\\2700U = 21844 + 17600\\\\\\2700U = 39444\\\\\\U = 39444/2700\\\\\\U = 14.61 m/s[/tex]
The initial velocity of the 2700 kg car is 14.61 m/s.