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Physics
Postsecondaire • May 18, 2025
I don’t understand this theory question IMG_0764.jpeg

Explanation (1)

Student Explanation
May 19, 2025
Thanks for your question! Because an essentially elastic collision happens between both vehicles, almost all the energy in the rear-ending car is transmitted to the rear-ended car. Thus, the initial and final momentum should be the same. Because car A's momentum is equal to mv, so should car B's. (Note, however, that if the question had asked you to calculate car B's speed, it would have been half that of car A because car B has twice the mass of car A.) This webpage of the Alloprof website explains impulse and momentum: Alloprof aide aux devoirs | Alloprof Don't hesitate if you need more help!