Page 372 - College Physics For AP Courses

360 Chapter 8 | Linear Momentum and Collisions
a. The center-of-mass velocity will decrease after the collision as a result of lost energy (but not drop to zero).
b. The center-of-mass velocity will remain the same after the collision since momentum is conserved.
c. The center-of-mass velocity will drop to zero since the two objects stick together.
d. The magnitude of the center-of-mass velocity will remain the same, but the direction of the velocity will change.
52. Car A has a mass of 2000 kg and approaches an intersection with a velocity of 38 m/s directed to the east. Car B has a mass of 3500 kg and approaches the intersection with a velocity of 53 m/s directed 63° north of east. The two cars collide and stick together after the collision. Will the center-of-mass velocity change as a result of the collision? Explain why or why not. Calculate the center-of-mass velocity before and after the collision.
This OpenStax book is available for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11844/1.14