Question

A 1.55-kg falcon catches a 0.335-kg dove from behind in midair. What is their velocity after impact if the falcon\'s velocity is initially 27.5 m/s and the dove\'s velocity is 5.15 m/s in the same direction?

Answer 1

Given : M= 1.55 kg , m = 0.335 kg , u₁ = 27.5 m/s , u₂ = 5.15

Goal : Velocity after impact ,v = ?

Solution :

Assuming , initial velocity of falcon = u₁ ,

Initial velocity of dove = u₂

Velocity after impact = v

Applying conservation of momentum :

Initial momentum = Final momentum

Mu₁ + mu₂ = (m+M)v

(1.55 kg)(27.5 m/s) + (0.335 kg)(5.15 m/s) = (1.55kg+0.335kg)*v

42.63 + 1.73 = 1.89 v

By solving we get , v = 23.47 m/s

Hence their velocity after impact is : 23.47 m/s