Is a higher or lower impulse better for car crashes?

A 2,300 Kg car traveling east at a velocity of 29 m/s runs a red light and crashes into a north bound car with?

• A 2,300 Kg car traveling east at a velocity of 29 m/s runs a red light and crashes into a north bound car with a mass of 2,000 kg that is traveling at 13.41 m/s. After collision, the first car is deflected 45 degrees off its original path and the second car is pushed 90 degrees to the right of the final path of the first car. I'm trying to understand how to break this problem down into visual/logical steps, but I am just starting in this class. If there is any site you can recommend for visuals and breaking down the problems that would also be a huge help!

• Answer:

  conservation of momentum along East-West direction 2300 * 29 + 2000 * 0 = 2300 * u cos 45 + 2000 * v cos 45 --- (1) where u = speed of 2300kg; v= speed of 2000 kg after collision conservation of momentum along North- South direction 2300 * 0 + 2000 * 13.41 = 2300 * u sin 45 - 2000 * v sin 45 --- (2) solving equations (1) & (2) for u & v ---answer