A 1.55 kg1.55 kg falcon catches a 0.435 kg0.435 kg dove from behind in midair. What is their velocity after impact if the falcon's velocity is initially 26.5 m/s26.5 m/s and the dove's velocity is 4.95 m/s4.95 m/s in the same direction?

21.8 m/s

Explanation:

M = mass of falcon = 1.55 kg

V = initial velocity of falcon before collision = 26.5 m/s

m = mass of dove = 0.435 kg

v = initial velocity of dove before collision = 4.95 m/s

V' = velocity after impact

Using conservation of linear momentum

M V + m v = (M + m) V'

Inserting the values

(1.55) (26.5) + (0.435) (4.95) = (1.55 + 0.435) V'

43.23 = 1.985 V'

V' = 21.8 m/s