Question

What is the impact speed when a car moving at 200 km/h bumps into the rear of another car traveling in the same direction at 89 km/h? Answer in units of km/h.

Answer 1

Impact Speed = `111kmh^(-1)`

Explanation:

Because both objects are moving in the same direction their impact speed will be reduced and instead be the difference in actual velocity of the two objects.

Much like if try and clap with your hands moving in the same direction (let's say to your right) it is much less effective than clapping with your hands moving in opposite directions.

Hence, the impact velocity = `(200-89)kmh^(-1)=111kmh^(-1)`

I hope this helps :)