A block of mass m1 = 4 kg is moving at 4 m/s and collides with a block of mass m2 = 2 kg, which is moving at 5 m/s in the opposite direction on a frictionless floor. After the collision, the blocks stick together and move as a single unit. a) [5 points] Determine the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision.

The total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is 57 Joules.                  

Explanation:

Given that,

Mass of first block,

Speed of first block,

Mass of second block,

Speed of first block,

We need to find the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision. It is equal to the kinetic energies of both the blocks. It is given by :

So, the total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is 57 Joules.

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