Answer:
ΔK = -6 10⁴ J
Explanation:
This is a crash problem, let's start by defining a system formed by the two trucks, so that the forces during the crash have been internal and the moment is preserved
initial instant. Before the crash
p₀ = m v₁ + M 0
final instant. Right after the crash
p_f = (m + M) v
p₀ = p_f
mv₁ = (m + M) v
v = [tex]\frac{m}{m+M} \ v_1[/tex]
we substitute
v = [tex]\frac{20}{20+40}[/tex] 3
v = 1.0 m / s
having the initial and final velocities, let's find the kinetic energy
K₀ = ½ m v₁² + 0
K₀ = ½ 20 10³ 3²
K₀ = 9 10⁴ J
K_f = ½ (m + M) v²
K_f = ½ (20 +40) 10³ 1²
K_f = 3 10⁴ J
the change in energy is
ΔK = K_f - K₀
ΔK = (3 - 9) 10⁴
ΔK = -6 10⁴ J
The negative sign indicates that the energy is ranked in another type of energy