How fast can one moving car bump into a stationary car without the coupling shattering?

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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Your uncle works at the railroad freight yard, and he has asked you to watch the yard hands couple 30,000-kg boxcars together.  As  he leaves to get a sandwich, he tells you, "Whatever you do, don't let those cars bang together too hard. The coupling between the cars will take only 9,000 J on a hit before it shatters." You ask how hard is too hard, but your uncle has already ducked out.

How fast can one moving car bump into a stationary car without the coupling shattering?
Express your answer to two significant digits and include the appropriate units.
 
 
 
 
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