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Explorer plus Corolla as point particles.

Impulse resulting from external influences will be neglected, as we assume that the collision is instantaneous.

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\begin{large}\[ p^{TC}_{x,i} + p^{FE}_{x,i} = p^{system}_{x,f} \]\end{large}

\begin{large}\[ m^{TC}v^{TC}_{x,i} + m^{FE}v^{FE}_{x,i} = (m^{TC}+m^{FE})v_{x,f} \]\end{large}

\begin{large}\[ v_{x,f} = \frac{m^{TC}v^{TC}_{x,i} + m^{FE}v^{FE}_{x,i}}{m^{TC}+m^{FE}} = \mbox{3.71 m/s} = \mbox{8.3 mph}\]\end{large}

Remember that in our coordinate system, the Corolla has a negative x-velocity before the collision.

Corolla and Explorer as separate systems.

The impulse on each vehicle from the other is assumed to be the dominant interaction during the collision. Because we are now considering the vehicles separately, these are now external impulses.

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Corolla and Explorer as separate systems.

The external force on each vehicle from the other is assumed to be the dominant interaction during the collision.

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First, the Corolla and Explorer as separate systems, then the passengers as separate systems.

Each vehicle is subject to a collision force from the other. The passengers are each subject to some decelerating force, possibly a seatbelt or airbag.

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