if a parked car were hit straight from behind by another car which direction would it go and why?

Question

if a parked car were hit directly from behind by another car what direction would it move and why? is it possible for it to turn sideways on its own?

Answer 1

Hi Tanya;

The parked car would move in the same direction as the moving car.  The moving car is performing work on the parked car and is thereby transmitting velocity from itself onto the parked car.  Velocity is speed and such direction.

work=(force)(distance)

force=(mass)(acceleration)

(acceleration)=(velocity)/(time)

work=(mass)(velocity/time)(distance)

 

However, the tires of each car must NOT be turned. If both cars have tires that are aimed straight, this principle applies.  If not, this is much more complicated.