One object is at rest, and another is moving. The two collide in a one-dimension

Question

One object is at rest, and another is moving. The two collide in a one-dimensional, completely Inelastic collision. In other words, they stick together after the collision and move off with a common velocity. Momentum is conserved. The speed of the object that is moving initially is 25 m/s. The masses of the two objects are 3.5 and 7.7 kg. Determine the final speed of the two-object system after the collision for the case (a) when the large-mass object is the one moving initially and the case (b) when the small-mass object is the one moving initially. V_f = v_f =

Explanation / Answer

Total momentum before collsion = total momentum after collision

a)
Case 1
Total momentum before collision = 7.7 * 25 = 192.5kgm/s

Since the two masses stick together, the mass after collision = 7.7 * 3.5 = 26.95 kg

Total momentum after collision = 26.95 v

So

192.5 = 26.95 v
v = 192.5 / 26.95 = 7.14m/s

b)
Case 2
Total momentum before collision = 3.5 * 25= 87.5 kgm/s

Total momentum after collision = 26.95v

87.5 = 26.95 v

v =3.25 m/s

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse O
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.