On a touchdown attempt, 95.00 kg running back runs toward the end zone at 3.750 m/s. A 113.0 kg line-backer moving at 5.380 m/s meets the runner in a head-on collision. If the two players stick together, a) what is their velocity immediately after collision? b) What is the kinetic energy of the system just before the collision and a moment after the collision?

(a) 1.21 m/s

(b) 2303.33 J, 152.27 J

Explanation:

m1 = 95 kg, u1 = - 3.750 m/s, m2 = 113 kg, u2 = 5.38 m/s

(a) Let their velocity after striking is v.

By use of conservation of momentum

Momentum before collision = momentum after collision

m1 x u1 + m2 x u2 = (m1 + m2) x v

- 95 x 3.75 + 113 x 5.38 = (95 + 113) x v

v = ( - 356.25 + 607.94) / 208 = 1.21 m / s

(b) Kinetic energy before collision = 1/2 m1 x u1^2 + 1/2 m2 x u2^2

= 0.5 (95 x 3.750 x 3.750 + 113 x 5.38 x 5.38)

= 0.5 (1335.94 + 3270.7) = 2303.33 J

Kinetic energy after collision = 1/2 (m1 + m2) v^2

= 0.5 (95 + 113) x 1.21 x 1.21 = 152.27 J