Let two objects of equal mass collide. Object 1 has initial velocity , directed

Question

Let two objects of equal mass collide. Object 1 has initial velocity , directed to the right, and object 2 is initially stationary. If the collision is perfectly elastic, what are the final velocities and of objects 1 and 2? Now suppose that the collision is perfectly inelastic. What are the velocities and of the two objects after the collision? Now assume that the mass of object 1 is , while the mass of object 2 remains . If the collision is elastic, what are the final velocities and of objects 1 and 2? Let the mass of object 1 be and the mass of object 2 be . If the collision is perfectly inelastic, what are the velocities of the two objects after the collision?

Explanation / Answer

A.Conservation of momentum can be used IF there no external forcesacting on it
derive an equation to fit v1 and v2

mv1 + mv2 = mv
equal mass leaving v
mv1^2 + mv^2 = mv^2
equal mass; eliminate m

0, v

B. Perfectly inelastic means that they are equal. Use the sameequations for part A

v/2, v/2

C. Elastic allows you to write different equations

we have 2mv1 + mv2 = 2mv
m factors out
v1^2 + mv2^2 = (2m)v^2
factor out m

v/3, 4 * v/3

D. Just like part B

using equation mv1 + 3mv2 = mv

They will be equal

v/4, v/4

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