Answer:
1.34112 m/s
Explanation:
From the law of conservation of momentum,
Total momentum before collision = Total momentum after collision
mu+m'u' = V(m+m')
From the question, V = 0 m/s (bring it to halt)
Therefore,
mu+m'u' = 0
Where m = mass of the Cadillac, u = initial velocity of the Cadillac, m' = mass of the Volkswagen, u' = initial velocity of the Volkswagen
make u' the subject of the equation
u' = -mu/m'...................... Equation 1
Given: m = 2000 kg, m' =2000 kg, u = 3.0 mph = (3×0.44704) m/s = 1.34112 m/s
Substitute into equation 1
u' = -2000(1.34112)/2000
u' = -1.34112 m/s
Hence the speed required to impact the Cadillac to bring it to halt = 1.34112 m/s.