Question

If two vehicles are traveling at a speed of 50 miles per hour and they collide with one another, the speed of the head-on impact is actually ___ miles per hour.

Answer 1

Answer:

$v_{f}$ = 0  miles/h

Explanation:

This exercise should be resolved with the moment. The system is formed by the two cars. Let's write the moment

Initial. Before the crash

           p₀ = m v₁ - m v₂

The sign is because they go in the opposite direction

Final. After the crash

          $p_{f}$ = (m + m) $v_{f}$

The moment is preserved

         p₀ = $p_{f}$

         m v₁- m v₂ = 2m $v_{f}$

         $v_{f}$ = m / 2m (v₁-v₂)

But the speed of the cars is the same v1 = v2 = 50 liters / h

       $v_{f}$ = 0

so the two faces do not move after the crash