Answer:
14.2 m/s
Explanation:
From reading the problem we know this is an inelastic collision since the objects stick together after the collision. We can write this as:
mv + MV = (m+M)x
Lets assign some values now:
m = 300 kg
M = 800 kg
v = 20 m/s
V = 12 m/s
x = Final Velocity (usually written as vf)
Now plug and chug!
(300)(20) + (800)(12) = (300+800)x
Simplify and isolate x (final velocity of both bodies):
6000 + 9600 = 1100x
15600 = 1100x
14.2 = x
14. 2 m/s = final velocity
