An object of mass m₁ = 18 kg and velocity

v₁ = 11.5 m/s

crashes into another object of mass m₂ = 8 kg and velocity

v₂ = 17.5 m/s.

The two particles stick together as a result of the collision. Because no external forces are acting, the collision does not change the total momentum of the system of two particles, so the principle of conservation of linear momentum applies.

m₁v_1i + m₂v_2i = (m₁ + m₂)v_f

If Jed and Kadia use the one-dimensional conservation of momentum equation to find the final velocity of the two joined objects after the collision, what do they obtain? (Indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.)

________m/s