This physics problem tests your understanding of fundamental physical laws and their applications. The step-by-step solution below breaks down the problem using relevant equations and physical reasoning.

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Here's how to solve the problem using the principle of conservation of momentum.
Assumption: The unit "ms⁻²" for velocity is a typo and should be "ms⁻¹". We will proceed with velocities and .
The principle of conservation of momentum states that for a collision where bodies stick together, the total momentum before the collision equals the total momentum after the collision. The formula is: where and are the masses, and are their initial velocities, and is their common final velocity.
Given:
a) Same direction before collision
Step 1: Apply the conservation of momentum principle. Since both bodies are moving in the same direction, their velocities are both positive.
Step 2: Calculate the total initial momentum.
Step 3: Solve for the common final velocity . Rounding to one decimal place: V \approx \text{61.4 ms^{-1}}
b) Opposite direction, before collision
Step 1: Apply the conservation of momentum principle. If the bodies move in opposite directions, one velocity must be negative. Let's assume is positive and is negative.
Step 2: Calculate the total initial momentum.
Step 3: Solve for the common final velocity . Rounding to one decimal place: V \approx \text{-1.4 ms^{-1}} The negative sign indicates that the combined mass moves in the direction of the initially heavier body (40 kg mass).
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Here's how to solve the problem using the principle of conservation of momentum. Assumption: The unit "ms⁻²" for velocity is a typo and should be "ms⁻¹".
This physics problem tests your understanding of fundamental physical laws and their applications. The step-by-step solution below breaks down the problem using relevant equations and physical reasoning.