An 800 kg car moving at 80 km hr\(^{-1}\) collides with a 1200 kg car moving at 40 km hr\(^{-1}\) in the same direction. If the cars stick together, calculate their common velocity.

A.

60 km hr\(^{-1}\)

B.

8 km hr\(^{-1}\)

C.

40 km hr\(^{-1}\)

D.

56 km hr\(^{-1}\)

Correct answer is B

From momentum conservation 

(800 x 80) - (1200 x 40) 

= (800 + 1200) V

= 64000 - 48000 = 2000V

16000 = 2000V

V = \(\frac{16000}{2000}\)

= 8kmh\(^-1\) 

The common velocity = 8kmhr\(^{-1}\)